When is the recovery position appropriate?

When is the recovery position appropriate?

• A. For an unconscious person who is breathing normally to keep the airway open and prevent choking if vomiting occurs.
• B. For an unconscious person who is not breathing.
• C. For a conscious person with chest pain.
• D. For any person who is nauseated.

Answer: (A)

The recovery position is used when someone is unconscious but breathing normally. The key idea is to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking if vomiting or secretions occur. When a person is unconscious, the tongue can relax back and block the airway, and fluids can pool in the mouth. Lying on the back makes these problems more likely, whereas rolling onto a side lets fluids drain away and helps keep the airway clear. This position also makes it easier to monitor the person’s breathing and responsiveness. It isn’t the right choice if the person isn’t breathing at all—you’d start CPR instead. It isn’t used for a conscious person with chest pain, who should be kept comfortable and in a position that suits their symptoms. It isn’t the go-to for someone who feels nauseated but is awake; they should be kept sitting up or in a position that keeps the airway clear while you respond. If there’s any suspicion of a spinal injury, move and position the person very carefully to protect the neck while monitoring breathing.

The recovery position is used when someone is unconscious but breathing normally. The key idea is to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking if vomiting or secretions occur. When a person is unconscious, the tongue can relax back and block the airway, and fluids can pool in the mouth. Lying on the back makes these problems more likely, whereas rolling onto a side lets fluids drain away and helps keep the airway clear. This position also makes it easier to monitor the person’s breathing and responsiveness.

It isn’t the right choice if the person isn’t breathing at all—you’d start CPR instead. It isn’t used for a conscious person with chest pain, who should be kept comfortable and in a position that suits their symptoms. It isn’t the go-to for someone who feels nauseated but is awake; they should be kept sitting up or in a position that keeps the airway clear while you respond. If there’s any suspicion of a spinal injury, move and position the person very carefully to protect the neck while monitoring breathing.