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Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

A practical nurse is assisting a postoperative client who is still drowsy from anesthesia. The client suddenly experiences nausea and begins to actively vomit. To prevent aspiration and protect the airway, which position should the nurse immediately assist the client into?

  1. Side-lying (lateral) positionAnswer
  2. B
    Flat on the back (supine) position
  3. C
    Head lower than the feet (Trendelenburg) position
  4. D
    Lying on the stomach (prone) position

Answer

The side-lying (lateral) position is the safest and most effective choice.
The side-lying (lateral) position is the standard of care for a semiconscious or vomiting client. It utilizes gravity to allow vomit and oral secretions to drain safely from the mouth, preventing the fluid from entering the lungs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's immediate physical risk.
The client is drowsy and actively vomiting, which creates a high risk for aspiration.
Recognizing aspiration risk dictates the priority of care.
2
Determine the best position to use gravity for airway clearance.
The side-lying position is selected.
Turning the client on their side allows fluids to naturally drain out of the mouth instead of into the airway.

Key Concept

Airway Protection and Postoperative Positioning
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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