For suspected stroke, what is the recommended position for transport?

For suspected stroke, what is the recommended position for transport?

• A. Left lateral recumbent
• B. Supine
• C. Right lateral recumbent
• D. Prone

Answer: (A)

When transporting a person with a suspected stroke, protecting the airway and preventing aspiration is the priority. Placing them in a side-lying position helps drainage of secretions or vomitus and reduces the risk that secretions will obstruct the airway. The left lateral recumbent position is the standard taught in this context because it reliably keeps the airway more accessible for monitoring and potential suctioning while avoiding the complications that can come with staying on the back or with the chest compressed. Avoid positions that can worsen airway obstruction, like supine if airway protection is compromised, or prone. If the left side isn’t feasible, a side-lying position on the other side can be used, but the left side is the preferred option in this scenario.

When transporting a person with a suspected stroke, protecting the airway and preventing aspiration is the priority. Placing them in a side-lying position helps drainage of secretions or vomitus and reduces the risk that secretions will obstruct the airway. The left lateral recumbent position is the standard taught in this context because it reliably keeps the airway more accessible for monitoring and potential suctioning while avoiding the complications that can come with staying on the back or with the chest compressed. Avoid positions that can worsen airway obstruction, like supine if airway protection is compromised, or prone. If the left side isn’t feasible, a side-lying position on the other side can be used, but the left side is the preferred option in this scenario.