What is the term for lying on the back with the upper body elevated at 45 degrees?

• A. Supine Position
• B. Semi-Fowler's Position
• C. Prone Position
• D. Sims Position

Answer: (B)

Lying on the back with the upper body elevated about 45 degrees describes the semi-Fowler's position. This setup keeps you in a supine baseline—on your back—but with the head and chest raised roughly halfway between flat and high elevation. That elevation helps expand the chest and improve breathing, and it’s commonly used when a patient needs to be comfortable while still able to breathe more easily or when access to the chest or upper abdomen is needed. It differs from lying flat (supine on a completely level bed), lying face down (prone), or lying on the side with one knee bent (Sims).