What should a medical assistant offer to a patient placed in the knee-chest position?

• A. A Blanket
• B. A Headrest
• C. A Pillow
• D. A Bolster

Answer: (C)

In the knee-chest position, keeping the head and neck comfortable and aligned is important because the chest and abdomen bear most of the body’s weight and the head is turned to the side. A pillow provides cushioning for the head and cushions the face and ears against pressure from the bed, helping prevent strain or discomfort during the position. A blanket would not offer targeted support for the head, a headrest can interfere with the natural angle of the head and neck in this position, and a bolster, while useful for various supports, doesn’t specifically address head/neck comfort as effectively as a pillow. So offering a pillow best supports comfort and proper alignment in this setup.