Positions

Fowler Position

A semi sitting position with the head of the bed raised between 45 and 60 degrees; the knees may be slightly elevated.

Supine Position

The back-lying position where the bed is flat, head and shoulders supported on a pillow, and arms at the sides.

Prone Position

The position where the person lies on their abdomen with the head turned to one side.

Lateral Position

A side-lying position; the person lies on one side with proper alignment using pillows.

Sims Position

A left-side position with the upper leg sharply flexed and the lower arm behind the person.

Chair Position

A sitting position where the person’s back and buttocks are against the chair with feet flat on the floor.

Alignment in Fowler Position

The spine is straight, head supported with a small pillow, and arms supported.

Alignment in Supine Position

The bed is flat, head and shoulders are supported, arms at the sides or on pillows.

Goal of Prone Position

To allow the person to lie on their abdomen with proper alignment and head turned.

Importance of Lateral Position

Provides support and aligns the body while preventing pressure sores.

Guideline for Sims Position

A flat bed, pillow under head and shoulder, upper leg flexed, lower arm behind.

Key Consideration for Chair Position

The person's back must be straight and unsupported feet are not allowed.