Prone Position
The prone position is a body position in which a patient lies face down on their stomach with their head turned to one side. In healthcare, prone positioning is used for back care, certain respiratory conditions, and specific procedures, though it is less commonly used than supine or lateral positions.
Exam Tip
Prone = face down. Pillow under head (turned to side), abdomen, and lower legs. Pressure points: cheek, knees, toes, chest. Relieves pressure on sacrum and heels. Less commonly used than supine or lateral positions. Reposition every 2 hours.
What Is the Prone Position?
In the prone position, the patient lies flat on their abdomen (face down) with the head turned to one side. While not as commonly used as supine (face up) or lateral (side-lying) positions, CNAs must know when and how to position a patient prone safely.
Uses for Prone Position
| Use | Reason |
|---|---|
| Back care | Provides access to the entire back for skin assessment and care |
| Respiratory conditions | Improves oxygenation in certain lung conditions (prone ventilation in ICU) |
| Pressure relief | Relieves pressure on sacrum, heels, and other posterior bony prominences |
| Certain procedures | Lumbar puncture, some spinal procedures |
Pressure Points in Prone Position
| Body Part | At Risk |
|---|---|
| Cheek/ear | Side of face resting on pillow |
| Chest/breasts | Compressed against mattress |
| Knees/kneecaps | Pressed against mattress |
| Toes | Bent against mattress or footboard |
| Genitalia (males) | Compressed against mattress |
How to Position a Patient Prone
- Explain the procedure and obtain cooperation
- Place a small flat pillow under the head (turned to one side)
- Place a small pillow under the abdomen (relieves pressure on lower back and reduces spinal hyperextension)
- Place a pillow under the lower legs/ankles to prevent pressure on toes
- Position arms at sides or flexed at the elbows beside the head
- Ensure the call light is within reach
- Check bony prominences for pressure areas
Contraindications
- Respiratory distress (unless specifically ordered for prone ventilation)
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Spinal instability
- Pregnancy
- Certain cardiac conditions
- Patients who cannot turn their head
All Patient Positions CNAs Must Know
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Supine | Flat on back, face up |
| Prone | Flat on stomach, face down |
| Lateral | Lying on side |
| Fowler's | Semi-sitting (45-60 degrees) |
| Sims' | Semi-prone, on side with top knee flexed |
| Trendelenburg | Head lower than feet |
Exam Alert
Know all patient positions for the CNA exam. Prone = lying face down. Place pillows under the head (turned to side), abdomen, and lower legs. Pressure points in prone: cheek, knees, toes, chest. Prone position relieves pressure on sacrum and heels. Reposition every 2 hours regardless of position.
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Supine Position
The supine position is a body position in which the patient lies flat on their back, face up. It is one of the most common positions in healthcare, used for physical assessments, CPR, many medical procedures, and sleep. CNAs must know proper supine positioning, including pressure point protection and when this position is contraindicated.
Fowler's Position
Fowler's position is a standard patient positioning in which the head of the bed is elevated to a 45-90 degree angle while the patient sits semi-upright or upright. Variations include low Fowler's (15-30 degrees), semi-Fowler's (30-45 degrees), standard Fowler's (45-60 degrees), and high Fowler's (60-90 degrees).
Body Mechanics
Body mechanics refers to the coordinated use of body position, movement, and alignment to prevent injury during patient care activities such as lifting, transferring, and repositioning. Proper body mechanics protect both the nurse and the patient from musculoskeletal injury.
Decubitus Ulcer (Pressure Injury)
A decubitus ulcer (also called a pressure injury, pressure sore, or bedsore) is localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear, typically over bony prominences. Pressure injuries are classified in stages from Stage 1 (intact skin with non-blanchable redness) to Stage 4 (full-thickness tissue loss exposing bone, muscle, or tendon).
10 free AI interactions per day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.