Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

When positioning a child for comfort during respiratory distress, which position is usually preferred?

1. Sitting upright

2. Laying flat

3. Side-lying

4. Propped on the back

The correct answer is: Sitting upright

Positioning a child in an upright posture is preferred during respiratory distress for several reasons. Sitting upright, or in a "tripod position," allows for better lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing. This position helps decrease the work of breathing by opening up the airways and optimizing lung volume, making it easier for the child to inhale and exhale. In this position, gravity assists in lung drainage, which is particularly important for children experiencing wheezing or other obstructive processes. Additionally, sitting upright can help relieve anxiety for the child, as it mimics a natural posture that provides comfort. The access to care is also improved in an upright position, allowing for easier assessment and intervention by healthcare providers. While other positions, such as laying flat or side-lying, may be used in certain situations or might provide short-term comfort for specific cases, they do not typically support optimal airway management or assist with breathing as effectively as the upright position does.