Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

A resident who is lying on her stomach with her arms at her sides is in the __________ position.

1. Sim's

2. Fowler's

3. Prone

4. Supine

The correct answer is: Prone

The resident is correctly identified as being in the prone position, which is characterized by lying flat on the stomach with the face down and the arms at the sides. This position is often used in various medical and rehabilitation settings to facilitate body alignment and may also be employed to promote lung expansion or relieve pressure on certain areas of the body. Understanding the nuances of body positions is crucial for effective patient care. For instance, the Sim's position involves the individual lying on their left side with the right leg drawn up and the left leg straight, which is not the case here. The Fowler's position refers to sitting up at an angle, typically to aid breathing, and does not fit the description of lying flat. Finally, the supine position is when a person lies flat on their back, making it distinct from the prone position. Knowing these differing body positions aids nursing assistants in proper patient handling and comfort during care.