Which position would be contraindicated for a client with chronic obstructive respiratory disease?

• A. Prone
• B. Supine
• C. Lateral
• D. Sims

Answer: (A)

Position affects how freely the chest and diaphragm can move, which is crucial for someone with COPD who already relies on efficient breathing mechanics. The prone position places the chest and abdomen under more pressure and can limit chest wall expansion and diaphragmatic movement, making breathing more laborious and potentially worsening gas exchange in someone with hyperinflated lungs. In COPD, people generally breathe more easily when they’re upright or in positions that support good chest expansion and airway clearance, rather than lying face down. The other positions can be more comfortable and may aid drainage or breathing effort, but prone is the one that tends to hinder ventilation in chronic obstructive respiratory disease.