What is the recommended position for a patient who is unresponsive but breathing?

What is the recommended position for a patient who is unresponsive but breathing?

• A. Supine position
• B. Recovery position
• C. Sitting position
• D. Prone position

Answer: (B)

When caring for a patient who is unresponsive but breathing, the recommended position is the recovery position. This position helps ensure that the airway remains open and clear, reducing the risk of aspiration, which is crucial since the patient may be unable to protect their airway due to their unresponsive state. Placing the individual in the recovery position typically involves rolling them onto their side while maintaining an open airway, which also allows any fluids or vomit to drain out of the mouth rather than being inhaled into the lungs. This is particularly important when managing unresponsive patients because it minimizes complications that could arise from airway obstruction. The other positions do not provide the same level of airway protection or safety for an unresponsive patient who is still breathing. For example, the supine position could obstruct the airway if the patient were to vomit or have secretions, while the sitting position might not support an effective airway and may increase the risk of compromising breathing. The prone position is unsuitable for unresponsive individuals as it can hinder breathing and create additional airway complications.

When caring for a patient who is unresponsive but breathing, the recommended position is the recovery position. This position helps ensure that the airway remains open and clear, reducing the risk of aspiration, which is crucial since the patient may be unable to protect their airway due to their unresponsive state.

Placing the individual in the recovery position typically involves rolling them onto their side while maintaining an open airway, which also allows any fluids or vomit to drain out of the mouth rather than being inhaled into the lungs. This is particularly important when managing unresponsive patients because it minimizes complications that could arise from airway obstruction.

The other positions do not provide the same level of airway protection or safety for an unresponsive patient who is still breathing. For example, the supine position could obstruct the airway if the patient were to vomit or have secretions, while the sitting position might not support an effective airway and may increase the risk of compromising breathing. The prone position is unsuitable for unresponsive individuals as it can hinder breathing and create additional airway complications.