What it means
The position of a client lying on their back with the face toward the ceiling. It is the most common position for surgery and many exams. Its opposite is prone, lying face down.
For the nurse
Lying flat can make breathing harder for clients with heart or lung problems and raises the risk of aspiration during tube feedings, so raise the head of the bed when the client's condition calls for it. Pad the heels, sacrum and back of the head, which bear the pressure in this position.
In a chart
"Positioned supine with arms on padded armboards for the procedure."
Remember it
Supine: lying on your spine.
At a glance
| Spanish | decúbito supino |
|---|---|
| Also written | supine position |
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.