What term is used to describe the position of a person lying face up?

The correct term for a person lying face up is "supine." In medical terminology, "supine" specifically indicates that an individual is on their back, facing upwards. This position is often used in various medical situations, including when performing assessments, administering treatments, or during certain procedures because it allows for access to the front of the body.

Understanding the other terms provides clarity on why "supine" is the correct choice. For instance, "prone" describes a position where a person is lying face down, which is the opposite of supine. "Lateral" refers to a position where a person is lying on their side, which has its own specific uses in medical care, particularly when managing airway or comfort. Lastly, "recumbent" means lying down generally, but it does not specify the direction the body is facing. Therefore, while it can refer to a supine position, it lacks the specificity needed to identify someone who is definitively face up.