In supine position, which pillow placement is specified to support cervical lordosis and head in neutral?

• A. Under head/neck: support cervical lordosis and head in neutral
• B. Under heels: float heels to prevent pressure ulcers
• C. Between knees: prevent hip adduction
• D. Under top arm: prevent shoulder protraction

Answer: (A)

In supine position, the main aim is to keep the spine in a neutral, aligned posture, especially at the neck. Placing a pillow under the head and neck fills the space behind the skull so the cervical spine can maintain its natural lordosis rather than being forced into forward bending or backward extension. When the pillow height matches the space, the head sits level with the spine, reducing neck muscle strain and helping keep the airway open.

Other pillow placements address different goals. A pillow under the heels helps float the heels to prevent pressure ulcers, a pillow between the knees can reduce hip adduction and improve pelvic alignment, and a pillow under the top arm can help prevent shoulder protraction. None of these directly maintain the cervical spine’s neutral alignment like a pillow under the head/neck does.