Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

In which position is a patient lying face down?

1. Prone position

2. Supine position

3. Lateral position

4. Seated position

The correct answer is: Prone position

The position in which a patient is lying face down is referred to as the prone position. This term is used in medical and healthcare contexts to describe a horizontal posture where the body is laid flat with the chest and abdomen facing the ground. This position can be beneficial for various medical assessments, interventions, or treatments, such as for certain surgical procedures or for patients with respiratory issues, as it can help increase lung capacity and reduce pressure on the lungs. In contrast, the supine position refers to lying on the back, the lateral position involves lying on one side, and the seated position is when a person is upright in a chair, which are all distinctly different from being face down. Understanding these terms is crucial in healthcare settings to communicate effectively about patient positioning and care.