Question

Your patient is a 40-year-old female who has n experiencing abdominal pain and vomiting for 2 days. She is now responsive to verbal stimulus; has cool, dry skin; a heart rate of 116; respirations of 24; and a blood pressure of 100/70. Which of the following is the BEST position for transporting this patient?

A. Sitting up at a 90-degree angle
B. Supine with the knees bent
C. Sitting up at a 45-degree angle
D. Left lateral recumbent with the legs bent

Answer 1

The best position for transporting this patient is the Left lateral recumbent position with the legs bent to help maintain an open airway and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transport Position for the Patient

The best position for transporting a patient who is responsive to verbal stimuli, with a history of abdominal pain and vomiting, and with the vital signs provided would be the Left lateral recumbent position with the legs bent (Option D). This position helps to maintain an open airway, reduce the risk of aspiration if the patient vomits, and can be more comfortable for a patient experiencing abdominal pain. Positions like sitting up at 90 or 45 degrees may not be as advantageous for preventing aspiration in a patient with a history of vomiting. Supine positions are generally avoided in patients at risk for aspiration.

In the context of emergency transport or pre-hospital care, it’s crucial to mitigate risks that could lead to further complications during the journey, hence, the left lateral recumbent position is the preferred method for patients with this presentation.