To place a resident in a semi-Fowler's position, the head of the bed should be

• A. raised 35-40 degrees
• B. raised 45-60 degrees
• C. left flat
• D. raised 80-90 degrees

Answer: (A)

Semi-Fowler's position means elevating the head of the bed to a partial upright angle to support breathing and comfort. Elevating to about 35-40 degrees provides enough elevation to improve chest expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration during eating or after anesthesia, without going fully upright. A higher angle (45-60 degrees or more) is high Fowler's and serves different needs, while leaving the bed flat eliminates the benefit for breathing and aspiration prevention. The very upright position (80-90 degrees) is used for specific procedures or rapid assessments and is not semi-Fowler's.