Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which position is considered most therapeutic for the distribution of body weight over bony prominences?

1. Supine

2. Side-lying

3. Prone

4. Sitting

The correct answer is: Prone

The position that is considered most therapeutic for distributing body weight over bony prominences is prone. When a patient is in a prone position, their weight is evenly distributed along the length of the body, particularly over the less bony areas, promoting pressure relief on specific prominences like the scapulae, pelvis, and heels. This position can also improve respiratory function by allowing for better lung expansion and decreasing the risk of pulmonary complications in certain patients. In contrast, the supine position, while commonly used, may lead to increased pressure on the sacrum and heels, making it less effective for preventing pressure injuries. The side-lying position helps distribute weight better than supine and can relieve pressure on the sacral area, but it still may not be as effective as prone for complete body weight distribution. Sitting can create significant pressure on the ischial tuberosities and can cause discomfort over time without proper support, making it less therapeutic in managing bony prominence concerns.