RN Exam Practice
Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 1701 of 2368

The nurse is about to perform oral suctioning on an unconscious client. In which position should the nurse place the client?

  1. Lateral, facing the nurse
  2. Supine, with the bed flat
  3. Semi-Fowler's, facing forward
  4. Prone, with the head turned
Show answer

Correct answer: Lateral, facing the nurse

An unconscious client is placed in a lateral position facing the nurse. A conscious client is placed in semi-Fowler's position.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Tracheostomy Care & Suctioning: Objective Assessment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026