Upon admission to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), the client who

Upon admission to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), the client who has no orthopedic or neurological restrictions is positioned with the:

1. Bed flat and the client’s arms to the sides
2. Client’s neck flexed and body positioned laterally
3. Head of the bed slightly elevated with the client’s head to the side
4. Client’s arms crossed over the chest and the bed in high-Fowler’s position

ANSWER

ANS: 3
To promote a patent airway, the head of the bed may be slightly elevated and the client’s neck slightly extended, with the client’s head turned to the side. The client’s head should not be flexed as this may occlude the airway. The client’s arms should never be positioned over or across the chest, because this reduces maximal chest expansion.