Final answer:
The unconscious adult patient breathing adequately with a pulse should be positioned in the recovery position. This position ensures an open airway, helps prevent aspiration, and is opposed to supine or prone positions which are not ideal for such a patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your adult patient is unconscious, breathing adequately, and has a pulse with no indication of trauma. Under these circumstances, the ideal position to place the patient in is the recovery position. This ensures that the airway remains open and clear of obstructions and helps prevent aspiration in case the patient vomits. The recovery position refers to the patient being on their side, which can be contrasted with being supine (lying on the back) or prone (lying on the stomach). Neither the 'shock position' (with feet elevated to improve circulation), supine, nor prone positions are suitable for an unconscious patient breathing adequately with a pulse.
In the recovery position, one arm should be extended upward to support the head and the opposite knee bent to stabilize the body. It is crucial to always be mindful of the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation when they are unconscious, and the recovery position is recommended to maintain an open airway and allow for fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration.