Patients who must lie on their backs much of the time should be kept as comfortable as possible to prevent body deformities.

The paraplegic and quadriplegic may not be able to tell you if their position is uncomfortable. You must be especially attentive in this case to prevent possible problems from malalignment.

Pillows can be used to support the patient’s head, neck, arms, and hands and a footboard used to support the feet.

• Proper alignment gives respiratory and digestive organs room to function normally.
• The footboard is slanted to support the feet at right angles to the leg (a normal angle) and prevent foot drop.

If the patient’s trunk must lie flatter than the neck and head:

• The patient should have only one pillow to support the head and neck.
• The patient may have a pillow placed under the legs to prevent pressure on the heels.