When applying an Abduction Pillow, in what position should the resident be placed?

• A. Prone
• B. Lateral
• C. Sitting
• D. Supine

Answer: (D)

An abduction pillow is used to keep the arm in abduction, preventing the arm from coming toward the body and protecting a healing shoulder from internal rotation or stress. Placing the resident supine—lying on the back—lets the pillow sit between the upper arms and maintain the abducted position while the arms stay away from the body. This setup also makes it easier for caregivers to monitor alignment. Other positions, like prone, side-lying, or sitting, tend to allow the arms to drift toward the midline, making it harder to maintain the abducted posture and increasing risk to the shoulder.