Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most appropriate position for a patient with pneumonia in the right lower lobe during percussion and postural drainage is to place the patient in a prone or supine position with the foot of the bed elevated higher than the head. This positioning utilizes the principles of gravity to aid in the drainage of secretions that are located in the dependent lobes of the lungs.

By elevating the foot of the bed, the nurse enhances the flow of secretions from the right lower lobe bronchi into larger airways where they can more easily be coughed out or suctioned if necessary. The prone or supine position allows for effective percussion of the back where the right lower lobe can be accessed, promoting optimal drainage of the lung area affected by the pneumonia.

This method will also help to maximize lung expansion and facilitate better ventilation, as well as improve blood flow and oxygenation, which are crucial for recovery from pneumonia. Overall, using this position effectively supports the therapeutic goals of percussion and postural drainage techniques, ensuring that the patient can expel accumulated secretions and improve respiratory function.