PATIENT POSITIONING (CRITICAL CARE PATIENTS): PRONE

Course overview

The prone position is defined as lying in a horizontal position with the front of the body facing downward, and is distinguished from pronation (i.e., rotation of the forearm so that the palm of the hand is facing downward). The prone position is the opposite of the supine position, which is defined as laying face-up in a horizontal position with the back of the head, spinal column, and heels resting directly on a supporting surface. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of prone positioning in order to better care for critical care patients. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.