Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Which position is recommended for a patient experiencing shortness of breath?

1. Prone position

2. Supine position

3. Sitting up at a 90-degree angle

4. Trendelenburg position

The correct answer is: Sitting up at a 90-degree angle

When a patient is experiencing shortness of breath, positioning is crucial for facilitating breathing. The recommended position for such a patient is sitting up at a 90-degree angle. This posture allows gravity to assist the diaphragm and lung expansion, thereby promoting better ventilation and improving the overall respiratory effort. When seated upright, compressive forces on the thoracic cavity are minimized, creating more space for the lungs to expand fully. In contrast, options like the prone (face down) position and supine (lying flat on the back) position can restrict airflow and make it even harder for the patient to breathe. The Trendelenburg position, where the patient is laid flat with the legs elevated, can also hinder diaphragmatic movement and cause increased pressure on the chest, further complicating the breathing process. Therefore, sitting up is clearly the most suitable choice for alleviating shortness of breath and supporting effective respiration.