Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

How do patients with pleural effusion generally feel most comfortable?

1. Lying flat on their back

2. In a standing position

3. Sitting upright

4. Reclined on their side

The correct answer is: Sitting upright

Patients with pleural effusion typically feel most comfortable sitting upright. This position helps facilitate breathing by utilizing gravity, allowing for better lung expansion and reducing pressure on the diaphragm. When sitting upright, patients can take deeper breaths, which is crucial as pleural effusion can limit lung capacity and cause shortness of breath. Additionally, this posture aids in relieving discomfort associated with fluid accumulation in the pleural space. While other positions, such as standing or reclining, may provide some relief for other conditions, they are often less effective for patients with pleural effusion. Lying flat can exacerbate breathing difficulties since it allows fluid to compress the lungs more significantly.