Which position involves the patient lying flat on their stomach?

The position where the patient lies flat on their stomach is known as the prone position. This position is commonly used in various medical settings for procedures that require access to the back or when certain examinations are conducted. It allows for better visualization of structures such as the spine and is often utilized in surgeries or treatments targeting the posterior aspect of the body.

In contrast, the supine position describes a patient lying flat on their back, which is opposite to the prone position. The dorsal recumbent position involves the patient lying on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the table, providing a different orientation and access for examinations or procedures. The Trendelenburg position, characterized by the patient lying supine with their legs elevated higher than their head, is typically used to treat hypotensive episodes or for specific surgical approaches. Each of these positions serves distinct purposes in clinical practice, but the prone position specifically requires the patient to lie flat on their stomach.