What is the purpose of using pillows or wedges during bed positioning?

• A. To decorate the bed.
• B. To increase energy consumption.
• C. To support alignment and prevent pressure injuries.
• D. To reduce blood flow.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining proper body alignment and protecting the skin from pressure injuries is the purpose of using pillows or wedges during bed positioning. By placing these supports, you keep the spine, joints, and limbs in a neutral position, spreading weight across larger areas rather than on vulnerable points. This reduces pressure on areas like the heels, sacrum, and elbows, lowering the risk of pressure injuries and helping with comfort and stability. Elevation with pillows or wedges can also aid circulation and breathing, but the core goal is alignment and pressure reduction. The other options don’t fit because decoration, increased energy use, or reduced blood flow aren’t the goals of bed positioning.