Question

What is the ideal position in which to place your patient to suction the airway?

1) Place the patient flat with legs elevated.
2) Turn the patient's head or entire body to the side.
3) Place the patient on his or her stomach.
4) Position the patient in a seated position.

Answer 1

For airway suction, the ideal position is to turn the patient's head or body to the side. This safeguards the airway, especially if the patient is unconscious or during anesthesia where airway muscles are relaxed. Other choking aid steps precede suctioning in conscious individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ideal position in which to place your patient for suction of the airway is to turn the patient's head or entire body to the side (Option 2). This position helps prevent aspiration of the secretions and allows for gravity to aid in the removal of secretions from the airway. It is crucial to ensure that the patient's airway is as open as possible, particularly if they are unconscious or under general anesthesia, as the muscles necessary for breathing and moving the tongue may be relaxed and can block the airway. If the patient is conscious and choking, steps such as encouraging coughing, delivering back slaps, or performing the Heimlich maneuver can be helpful before suctioning is required. For more severe airway management during surgery or under general anesthesia, endotracheal intubation is utilized.