Final answer:
When a patient is in the prone position, the front side of their body is touching the bed, meaning they are lying face down. The prone position is utilized for certain examinations and procedures in medical settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is in the prone position, the side of their body that is touching the bed is the front side. This means that the patient is lying face down on their stomach. The prone position is often used in various medical and healthcare settings, including during specific physical examinations, surgical procedures, and sometimes in physical therapy.
In contrast to the prone position, when someone is in the supine position, they are lying on their back, facing upwards. It's important to note that these terms are standardized based on the anatomical position, which is a body standing upright with feet at shoulder width and palms facing forward.