Which description matches the lateral position?

• A. Lies on back with legs straight
• B. Head of bed elevated 0 degrees
• C. The resident lies on the right or left side
• D. Head of bed elevated 60 degrees

Answer: (C)

Lateral position means the resident lies on either the right or left side. This side-lying posture distributes weight across the side of the body and is often supported with a pillow under the head and another between the knees to keep the spine aligned. It’s used for comfort, to relieve pressure on the back or hips, and to help with airway drainage or aspiration prevention in some patients. The other descriptions describe lying on the back with the bed flat (supine) or with the head of the bed elevated (supine with flat or Fowler positions), which are not side-lying.