California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

In which position is a client most likely to experience relief from dyspnea related to asthma?

1. Sitting and leaning forward over a desk

2. Standing with hands on hips

3. Lying flat with legs elevated

4. Sitting back in a recliner

The correct answer is: Sitting and leaning forward over a desk

The position where a client is most likely to experience relief from dyspnea related to asthma is when sitting and leaning forward over a desk. This posture is known as "tripod position," which helps to maximize lung expansion and allows the respiratory muscles to work more effectively. By leaning forward, the diaphragm moves down more easily, and the chest cavity can expand better, facilitating improved airflow into the lungs. In cases of asthma, where airway constriction can cause difficulty in breathing, adopting this position can provide significant comfort and aid in the alleviation of shortness of breath. It helps reduce the work of breathing and encourages more efficient use of respiratory muscles. Other positions, such as standing with hands on hips or lying flat with legs elevated, may not provide the same level of relief, as they can inhibit lung expansion or increase the work required for respiration. Sitting back in a recliner, while it may offer some comfort, does not allow for optimal use of the diaphragm and may not facilitate as much lung expansion as the forward-leaning position.