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

A) support the arms in a flexed position level at the shoulders.
B) place a pillow under the lower legs.
C) place a small pillow under the patient's abdomen.
D) support the patient's head with a small pillow.

Placing a small pillow under the patient's abdomen below the level of the diaphragm reduces pressure on the breasts of some female patients and decreases hyperextension of the lumbar vertebrae and strain on the lower back;it also improves breathing by reducing mattress pressure on the diaphragm.Supporting the arms in flexed position level at the 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 the toes prevents footdrop,reduces external rotation of the legs,and reduces mattress pressure on the 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 the cervical vertebrae.Although it may help with breathing,this is not the primary purpose.