North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which position is ideal for managing a patient in shock?

1. Prone position

2. Trendelenburg position

3. Recovery position

4. Sitting comfortably

The correct answer is: Trendelenburg position

The Trendelenburg position is ideal for managing a patient in shock because it is designed to help increase blood flow to vital organs, especially the heart and brain. In this position, the patient is laid flat on their back with the legs elevated higher than the head. This elevation can help improve venous return to the heart, which may boost blood pressure and enhance perfusion in a patient experiencing shock. When a person is in shock, the primary goal is to ensure that blood circulation is optimized to prevent organ failure. Elevating the legs can assist in redirecting blood flow toward the core, thus improving the oxygenation of the body's major systems. While other positions have their uses, they may not specifically address the circulatory needs of a patient in shock. The prone position, for instance, can obstruct airway access and is generally not advised for patients who are unresponsive or have compromised respiratory function. The recovery position is meant for conscious patients who are breathing normally, allowing for an airway that is open and unobstructed. Sitting comfortably does not offer the same circulatory benefits and may impede venous return when someone is in need of immediate medical intervention like shock. Therefore, the Trendelenburg position is more suitable for these circumstances.