Colorado CNA Practice Exam

How is a resident positioned if he is on his left side with his lower arm behind his back and his upper knee flexed?

1. Lateral position

2. Prone position

3. Sims' position

4. Supine position

The correct answer is: Sims' position

The correct response is that the resident is in Sims' position. This position involves the individual lying on their left side with the lower arm typically positioned behind the back and the upper knee flexed. This arrangement is often used for various medical examinations or procedures, as it allows for easier access to certain bodily areas while providing comfort to the resident. In contrast, the lateral position, while similar, does not require the arm behind the back or the knee flexed in the same manner as Sims' position. The prone position describes the individual lying face down, which is quite different from being on the left side. Lastly, supine position refers to an individual lying flat on their back, which does not match the description provided in the question. Therefore, Sims’ position is accurately defined by the details given.