Which side should you roll the patient into the recovery position?

• A. Right side
• B. Supine
• C. Left side
• D. Prone

Answer: (C)

The recovery position is used to keep the airway open and prevent aspiration in an unconscious patient who is breathing on their own. Rolling to the side allows the tongue to fall away from the airway, and gravity helps drain secretions or vomitus so they’re less likely to enter the trachea.

Rolling onto the left side is preferred because it places the stomach on the left, which helps direct any potential reflux or gastric contents away from the airway and promotes drainage away from the trachea. If vomiting occurs, this position makes aspiration less likely while you monitor the patient.

Other positions don’t protect the airway as effectively in this scenario: lying on the back (supine) can allow the tongue to occlude the airway, and lying face down (prone) obstructs the airway. The right side can be used if the left side is contraindicated (such as certain injuries), but the left side is the standard choice when possible.