In which position should a patient be placed to aid in an asthma attack?

The tripod position is especially beneficial for a patient experiencing an asthma attack, as it helps facilitate easier breathing. In this position, the patient typically sits upright and leans slightly forward, using their arms to rest on their knees or on a stable surface. This body posture opens up the chest and allows for greater expansion of the lungs, enhancing ventilation and promoting better airflow. It also helps reduce the work of breathing by utilizing gravity and the natural leverage from the upper body.

In contrast, other positions such as supine or flat on the back can compress the chest and make breathing more difficult, especially when the airways are constricted, as they often are during an asthma attack. The right lateral position, while sometimes helpful in other medical scenarios, does not provide the optimal airway mechanics needed during an episode of bronchospasm associated with asthma. Thus, the tripod position is the preferred choice to support respiratory effort during such an emergency.