Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 105 of 200

The supine position is:

a.Side-lying with the knees flexed and a pillow between them; a pillow under the head and a small support under the knees can promote comfort but the position must be alternated every 2 hours
b.Lying flat on the back, face up; pillows under head and small support under knees can promote comfort but the position must be alternated every 2 hours
c.Lying flat on the abdomen with the head turned to one side, alternated every 2 hours
d.Sitting upright at 90 degrees with the knees slightly bent, alternated every 2 hours

Explanation

Supine: lying flat on the back. Risks include sacral and heel pressure injury, aspiration if HOB low, and back pain. Mitigations: small pillow under head, small support under knees (do NOT fully bend knees long-term—causes contractures), heel float to off-load heels, reposition every 2 hours. Prone (c) is face-down; high-Fowler's (d) is upright; Sims'/lateral (a) is side-lying. Position choice depends on medical condition and care plan.

Law Reference: Fundamentals; supine position

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