Which patient would NOT typically be placed in the recovery position?

• A. 31-year-old semiconscious male with low blood sugar and adequate breathing
• B. Conscious male with neck injury and regular respirations
• C. Unconscious female who overdosed and has a reduced tidal volume
• D. Conscious female with possible neck injury and regular respirations

Answer: (C)

Recovery position is used to keep the airway clear and protect against aspiration in an unconscious patient who is breathing adequately. It’s not used when ventilation is impaired or when airway support is needed. In this scenario, the unconscious patient who overdosed has reduced tidal volume, meaning breathing is inadequate. The priority is to open and support the airway and provide ventilation (jaw-thrust if neck injury is possible, rescue breaths, call for advanced help) rather than roll the person onto their side. The other situations involve a conscious patient (where recovery positioning isn’t appropriate) or a semiconscious patient with adequate breathing (a suitable candidate for the recovery position).