On admission to the PACU, in which manner does the nurse position the patient who has no orthopaedic or neurological restrictions?
a. With the bed flat and the patient's arms to the sides
b. With the patient's neck flexed and body in prone position
c. With the patient in side-lying position
d. With the patient's arms crossed over the chest and the bed in high Fowler's position
C
Feedback
A Positioning the patient with the bed flat and the patient's arms to the sides would not best facilitate a patent airway.
B The patient's neck should not be flexed, as this may occlude the airway.
C In the postanaesthetic patient, the tongue causes a majority of airway obstructions. Ongoing assessment of airway patency is crucial. Patients are often kept in side-lying positions until the airway is clear.
D This is not the best position to promote respirations. The patient's arms should never be positioned over or across the chest, because this reduces maximal chest expansion.
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