Question

a client who has been lying prone reports shortness of breath and a sensation of choking. into which position will the nurse place the client?

supine
fowlers
prone
sims

Explanation:

Analyze the client's clinical presentation

Using the Airway Breathing Circulation knowledge point
The client is experiencing acute respiratory distress, characterized by shortness of breath and a sensation of choking while lying in a prone position. This represents an immediate threat to the airway and breathing, requiring rapid intervention to maximize lung expansion and ease breathing.

Evaluate the therapeutic positions

Using the Priority Nursing Interventions knowledge point

• Supine: Lying flat on the back can worsen respiratory distress and choking sensations due to gravity pulling the tongue and airway tissues backward.
• Fowler's: An upright sitting position (typically 45 to 60 degrees) that allows maximum chest expansion by lowering the diaphragm, reducing the work of breathing, and relieving dyspnea.
• Prone: Lying flat on the stomach is the position that triggered the current respiratory distress.
• Sims': A semi-prone position that does not optimize lung expansion as effectively as an upright sitting position.

Select the optimal intervention

Using the Priority Nursing Interventions knowledge point
Placing the client in Fowler's position is the priority action to immediately improve oxygenation and relieve the sensation of choking.

Answer:

• supine
• Fowler's (Correct answer)
• prone
• Sims'