Final answer:
The correct answer is a. side; airway; aspiration. This side-lying position is used in medical settings to assist with the drainage of oral secretions and prevent aspiration by keeping the airway clear.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent complications, the patient is placed in the side-lying position to facilitate drainage of oral secretions, and suctioning is performed, if needed, to maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration. Therefore, the correct answer is a. side; airway; aspiration. This is crucial in situations where a patient's ability to swallow or clear their throat is compromised, such as after surgery or when they are unconscious. In contrast, other positions like the supine position (lying on the back), prone position (lying face down), or Fowler's position (sitting upright) have different purposes and effects on the body, including the respiratory and circulatory systems.