HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

If the patient becomes unconscious during treatment, in which position should the patient chair be placed?

1. Supine

2. Subsupine

3. Upright

4. Trendelenburg's

The correct answer is: Subsupine

When a patient becomes unconscious during treatment, the appropriate position for the patient chair is subsupine. This position involves tilting the chair to an angle that places the patient's head lower than their heart, which can help increase blood flow to the brain and may assist in restoring consciousness. This technique is particularly important in emergency situations where a patient has lost consciousness, as it can play a crucial role in preventing potential complications such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) or other adverse effects. The subsupine position can also aid in easing the burden on the cardiovascular system, providing a better dynamic for blood circulation, especially if the patient is experiencing a syncopal episode. While the supine position, where the patient is flat on their back, may also appear appropriate, it lacks the beneficial effects of having the head tilted downward. The upright position would not be suitable, as this could restrict blood flow to the brain. On the other hand, Trendelenburg's position, which is similar to subsupine but with the patient's legs elevated, is typically not used in modern practice due to the potential for increased intracranial pressure and other risks associated with positioning. Therefore, subsupine is the most effective and widely accepted position in cases of