Final answer:
It is true that forcing an older patient who is short of breath into a supine position can result in respiratory distress or failure, particularly if they have conditions like respiratory distress syndrome or pulmonary fibrosis, which make the lungs less flexible and increase the work of breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forcing an older patient who is short of breath into a supine position may indeed result in respiratory distress or failure. This is especially true for patients with certain medical conditions, such as those with respiratory decreased compliance due to diseases like respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis. In these conditions, lung tissue is less pliable and more stiff, decreasing its ability to move and making it harder to breathe. When lying supine, the gravitational effect on the lungs is different than in an upright position, and for patients with compromised lung function, this can exacerbate breathing difficulties, reduce lung volume, and significantly increase the work of breathing. Therefore, the statement is true.