Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which patient is appropriate to be placed in the recovery position?

1. A 31-year-old conscious male with a broken arm

2. A 33-year-old unconscious male without injury with good chest rise

3. A 45-year-old female experiencing chest pain

4. A 22-year-old female who is alert and oriented

The correct answer is: A 33-year-old unconscious male without injury with good chest rise

The recovery position is a specific way of positioning a patient who is unconscious but breathing adequately. This position helps to keep the airway open and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration while ensuring that oxygen flow remains adequate. The patient who is unconscious but still presents good chest rise demonstrates that they are still breathing despite being unresponsive. This scenario aligns with the appropriate indications for the recovery position as the patient does not have any immediate life-threatening injuries that would impair this method's effectiveness. In contrast, other options involve patients who are conscious or experiencing distressing symptoms such as pain. A conscious patient, while alert and oriented, has the ability to maintain their airway without assistance and does not require the recovery position. Similarly, patients experiencing chest pain require close monitoring and may need to be placed in a position that does not further exacerbate their condition. A broken arm, while painful, does not render a patient unconscious or require the recovery position to maintain a clear airway.