Question

Your​ 79-year-old female patient appears to show all signs and symptoms of a stroke. Her level of consciousness has rapidly​ deteriorated, she is now​ unconscious, and she can no longer control her own airway. While you intervene to manage her​ airway, the best position in which to keep fluid or vomitus from occluding her airway would be​ the:

A. Fowler position.
B. recovery position.
C. supine position.
D. prone position.

Answer 1

The recovery position is the most appropriate for an unconscious patient at risk of airway occlusion due to fluid or vomitus, helping prevent aspiration and keeping the airway open.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best position to manage the airway of an unconscious patient who cannot control their own airway, particularly if there is a risk of fluid or vomitus occlusion, is the recovery position. This position helps to keep the patient's airway open and allows fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. The recovery position involves placing the patient on their side, ensuring that the airway remains clear and protected. Other positions like the Fowler position, supine position, and prone position are not suitable in such cases, as they do not provide the same level of airway protection.