Identify the position shown in the image below?& x20; - AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

The image shows a patient with their head elevated on a pillow and their neck extended.
This specific posture is known as the 'sniffing the morning air' or Sniff position.
This position is intentionally created to align the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway.
The primary purpose of the Sniff position is to facilitate easier and more successful endotracheal intubation by providing a straight-line view of the vocal cords.

Option A: The Prone position involves the patient lying on their abdomen (face down), which is the opposite of what is shown in the image.
Option B: While the patient is on their back, which is a component of the supine position, the Supine position specifically means lying flat. The image clearly shows the head is elevated and the neck is extended, which is a modification of the simple supine position.
Option D: The Dorsal position (often called Dorsal Recumbent) involves the patient lying on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the bed. The image does not show the patient's lower body, but the defining characteristic of head and neck extension for the Sniff position makes this option incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of patient positioning for clinical procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Mastering patient positioning is a fundamental nursing skill critical for patient safety, comfort, and the success of various medical procedures.
The Sniff position is a cornerstone of airway management in anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care. Failure to achieve this position can make intubation difficult or impossible.
What if? If the patient had a suspected cervical spine injury, the Sniff position would be contraindicated due to the neck extension. In such cases, a jaw-thrust maneuver without head-tilt would be used to open the airway.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully observe the key features of the patient's posture in the image. Note the relationship between the head, neck, and torso.
Identify the most prominent action: the head is tilted back and elevated, and the neck is extended.
Relate this posture to a familiar action. The position resembles someone 'sniffing the air'.
Evaluate the given options based on your observation. 'Prone' is face down. 'Supine' is flat on the back. 'Dorsal' involves bent knees.
The 'Sniff position' option directly matches the visual evidence of head elevation and neck extension.
Conclude that the Sniff position is the correct answer as it is specifically defined by the posture shown.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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