In which position is a patient lying on their abdomen, facing downward?

The patient is described as lying on their abdomen, facing downward, which is characteristic of the prone position. In this position, the body is horizontal with the front downwards, allowing for certain medical examinations and treatments. This is often utilized for various procedures and assessments in healthcare settings, such as surgeries or to provide access to the back and spine.

In contrast, the supine position would have the patient lying on their back, the lateral position refers to lying on one side, and the sitting position indicates an upright position. Therefore, identifying the prone position is key to understanding the patient's orientation in this scenario.