ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which position should a patient experiencing an episode of syncope be placed in?

1. Dorsal recumbent with head elevated

2. Dorsal recumbent with feet elevated

3. Lateral recumbent

4. Seated with feet supported

The correct answer is: Dorsal recumbent with feet elevated

When a patient experiences an episode of syncope, it is crucial to maintain blood flow to the brain and prevent any potential injury. Placing the patient in a dorsal recumbent position with the feet elevated is effective for several reasons. Elevating the feet helps to facilitate venous return to the heart, which increases cardiac output and helps restore blood flow to the brain. This position counters the effects of gravity, which can hinder blood circulation when a patient is feeling faint or has temporarily lost consciousness. Additionally, being in a dorsal recumbent position allows for ease of monitoring and intervention by healthcare providers should further assistance be needed. While the lateral recumbent position (the choice not selected) is beneficial for protecting the airway and ensuring that the patient is safe if they vomit or have a seizure, it does not provide the same advantages for restoring blood flow to the brain as the feet-elevating position does. The seated or head-elevated positions are not ideal either, as they can exacerbate the situation by allowing gravity to draw blood away from the brain. Overall, the dorsal recumbent position with feet elevated effectively helps support the patient physiologically during a syncope episode.