An infant is seen in the emergency department with the following signs and symptoms: irritability, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, diffuse rhonchi and rales, and intermittent fever. The child is diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus. Which of the following positions will the nurse place the infant to facilitate breathing?

Explanation

•Infants are usually positioned in a semi-fowler’s position to facilitate breathing. An elevated head of bed facilitates chest expansion and respiration.

•Other positions will not facilitate ventilation and chest expansion. The prone and Trendelenburg positions will cause the diaphragm and abdominal organs to push up against the lungs.

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