Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is the most dangerous position for a patient who is vomiting?

1. Side with the head of the bed elevated

2. Back with the head of the flat bed

3. On their stomach

4. Seated in a chair

The correct answer is: Back with the head of the flat bed

The most dangerous position for a patient who is vomiting is with the back on a flat bed. This position increases the risk of aspiration, which occurs when vomit enters the lungs instead of being expelled from the body. When a patient is lying flat on their back, there is a higher likelihood that the vomit can flow back into the throat and advance into the airway, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia. In contrast, having the head of the bed elevated or positioning the patient on their side helps reduce the risk of aspiration, allowing vomit to move out of the mouth and preventing it from entering the airway. Sitting in a chair can also be safer as it utilizes gravity to assist in the expulsion of vomit, but maintaining a semi-reclined or side-lying position is often the preferred method for protecting the airway during episodes of vomiting.