In positioning the patient in the prone position,one way to improve breathing is to:

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Placing a small pillow under patient's abdomen below level of diaphragm reduces pressure on breasts of some female patients and decreases hyperextension of lumbar vertebrae and strain on lower back; it also improves breathing by reducing mattress pressure on the diaphragm.
Supporting arms in flexed position level at shoulders maintains proper body alignment and reduces the risk for joint dislocation,but does not improve breathing.Supporting the lower legs with pillows to elevate toes prevents footdrop,reduces external rotation of legs,and reduces mattress pressure on toes,but does not directly improve breathing.Turning the patient's head to one side and supporting it with a small pillow is designed to reduce flexion or hyperextension of cervical vertebrae.Although it may help with breathing,this is not the primary purpose.

In Positioning the Patient in the Prone Position,one Way to Improve