A nurse needs to position a patient in severe respiratory distress in a manner that allows the chest to expand to maximum capacity for moving air in and out of the lungs. The correct body position for this patient would be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orthopneic position with the patient sitting upright or with the head of the bed elevated allows for the maximum expansion of the chest and the most effective movement of air in and out of the lungs, making it the best choice for a patient in severe respiratory distress. Right Sims and supine positions do not provide as much chest expansion, while Trendelenburg position would actually worsen respiratory distress as it places the patient in a head-down position.

A Nurse Needs to Position a Patient in Severe Respiratory