BASIC POSITIONS
POSITION USES
LEVELS OF WEIGHT-BEARING
ASSISTIVE DEVICES
TRANSFERS & SAFETY
100

This position is lying flat on the back and is used for resting and sleeping.

What is Supine?

100

Two common uses of the supine position.

What are resting and sleeping?

100

The patient’s affected leg cannot touch the floor at all.

What is Non-weight-bearing?

100

This device helps with balance but does not completely support weight.

What is a cane?

100

When transporting a patient, IV bags should be placed on this or held.

What is an IV pole?

200

This position is lying flat on the anterior surface of the abdomen to take pressure off the spine and hips.

What is Prone?

200

This position is used for relieving pressure on the hips and tailbone and for care procedures like enemas.

What is Sims’ position? 

200

The patient’s affected leg may touch the floor only for balance.

What is Touch-down weight-bearing?

200

This device helps with stability and some weakness.

What is a walker?

200

Sitting on the edge of the bed helps stabilize blood pressure and reduce this symptom.

What is dizziness?

300

This position involves lying on one side and helps take pressure off the spine.

What is Lateral?

300

This position is used for resting, reading, receiving care, eating, and watching television.

What is Fowler’s position?

300

The patient’s affected leg can bear only a portion of body weight.

What is Partial weight-bearing?

300

This device is used for limited or no weight bearing.

What are crutches?

300

The PCT should stand in this position when using a gait belt.

What is in front of the patient with feet at the sides and knees bent?

400

This position involves lying on the back with the head elevated at 30 degrees or less to prevent pressure ulcers.

What is Fowler’s?

400

This position involves sitting upright in a chair with knees at a 90-degree angle and feet supported.

What is Sitting?

400

The patient may stand or walk using only as much weight as they can tolerate.

What is Weight-bearing as tolerated?

400

These are the three types of canes: C cane, functional grip, and quad cane.

What are types of canes?

400

When moving a wheelchair down a curb, these wheels go first.

What are the rear wheels?

500

This position has the patient lying on their side with the upper knee flexed in front of the lower leg.

What is Sims’?

500

This position is associated with multiple uses and different levels of weight-bearing.

What is Sitting?

500

The patient is able to bear full weight on the affected leg.

What is Full weight-bearing?

500

Assistive devices should never be shared among patients to help prevent this.

What are falls or infection risks?

500

The nurse must be notified immediately if the patient experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden headache, new pain while walking, refuses to ambulate, or has this.

What is a change in condition?