In supine, which pillow placement helps prevent pressure ulcers around the heels?

• A. Under heels: float heels to prevent pressure ulcers
• B. Under head: support cervical lordosis
• C. Under knees: slight knee flexion reduces lumbar lordosis
• D. Under hips: stabilize pelvis

Answer: (A)

Floating the heels by placing a pillow underneath relieves pressure on the heels in the supine position. Heels are a common site for pressure ulcers because the calcaneus is a bony prominence with limited soft tissue, so continuous contact with the bed can impair blood flow. Elevating the heels off the mattress distributes pressure away from that vulnerable area, protects skin integrity, and can also reduce shear as the heels don’t slide against the sheet.

Other placements don’t protect the heels: putting a pillow under the head can create new pressure points on the occiput and neck; under the knees changes leg alignment but doesn’t relieve heel pressure; under the hips can push on the sacral/ischial areas, potentially creating ulcers there.