What position should a suspected stroke patient be transported in?

What position should a suspected stroke patient be transported in?

• A. Prone with head turned to the side
• B. Supine with head elevated 30 degrees
• C. Lying flat with no pillow
• D. Upright seated

Answer: (B)

In suspected stroke, you want to protect the airway while promoting brain perfusion and venous drainage. Placing the patient supine with the head elevated about 30 degrees achieves this balance: it helps reduce intracranial pressure and improves venous outflow from the brain, which can support cerebral perfusion, while keeping the airway open and easy to monitor or suction if needed. It also keeps the patient in a stable position for ongoing assessment during transport. Prone with the head turned to the side would obstruct airway access and breathing management. Lying flat without a pillow can raise intracranial pressure and increase the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. An upright seated position may compromise airway maintenance and is less stable for monitoring and procedures during transport.

In suspected stroke, you want to protect the airway while promoting brain perfusion and venous drainage. Placing the patient supine with the head elevated about 30 degrees achieves this balance: it helps reduce intracranial pressure and improves venous outflow from the brain, which can support cerebral perfusion, while keeping the airway open and easy to monitor or suction if needed. It also keeps the patient in a stable position for ongoing assessment during transport.

Prone with the head turned to the side would obstruct airway access and breathing management. Lying flat without a pillow can raise intracranial pressure and increase the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. An upright seated position may compromise airway maintenance and is less stable for monitoring and procedures during transport.