Fairly easy

A patient with reduced consciousness has a relaxed tongue obstructing the upper airway but no suspected cervical spine injury. Which position is most appropriate while maintaining airway patency?

Correct answer: B. Side-lying with the head turned slightly

  • A. Supine with the neck flexed forward
  • B. Side-lying with the head turned slightly
  • C. Prone with the face turned downward
  • D. Sitting with the chin pressed to the chest

Explanation

Side-lying helps the tongue fall forward and allows secretions to drain from the mouth. Neck flexion and chin-to-chest positioning can worsen upper-airway obstruction, while prone positioning is not the usual first airway-opening position.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Oxygen Therapy and Airway Care

Airway care includes positioning, suctioning, coughing and deep-breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, oxygen delivery devices and humidification. Questions address indications, flow rates, safety precautions and monitoring for hypoxia or oxygen toxicity, while distinguishing nasal cannula, simple mask, non-rebreather mask and Venturi mask use.

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