A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) is admitted to the hospital. How can the nurse best position the patient to improve gas exchange?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with COPD improve the mechanics of breathing by sitting up in the "tripod" position. Resting in bed with the head elevated would be an alternative position if the patient was confined to bed, but sitting in a chair allows better ventilation. The Trendelenburg position or sitting upright in bed with the knees flexed would decrease the patient's ability to ventilate well.

A Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD )