Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When managing a suspected diaphragmatic rupture, what position should you avoid?

1. Supine position

2. Trendelenburg position

3. Prone position

4. Left lateral recumbent position

The correct answer is: Trendelenburg position

When managing a suspected diaphragmatic rupture, it's important to consider how positioning can affect the patient's respiratory function and the potential for an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The Trendelenburg position, which involves tilting the patient backward with the legs elevated, can exacerbate a diaphragmatic rupture by pushing the abdominal contents upwards into the chest cavity. This can further impair respiratory function and may lead to increased tension in the thoracic space. The other positions, such as the supine, prone, and left lateral recumbent positions, don’t create a similar risk as they do not significantly elevate the legs or increase intra-abdominal pressure in the same way. In fact, maintaining a semi-upright position might often be preferable in these cases to support breathing and reduce stress on the diaphragm. Therefore, avoiding the Trendelenburg position is critical in managing a suspected diaphragmatic rupture effectively.