In the described laryngospasm emergency, the patient should be placed in which position?

• A. Upright seated
• B. Supine flat in the chair
• C. Prone
• D. Trendelenburg

Answer: (B)

During a laryngospasm the priority is to keep the airway open and have easy access to deliver oxygen and perform airway maneuvers. Placing the patient flat on their back in the chair provides the most reliable access to the mouth and airway, making it easier to apply a mask for 100% oxygen, suction if needed, and maneuvers like a jaw thrust or chin lift. It also keeps alignment of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx straightforward for rapid intervention, and it simplifies any potential spontaneous ventilation checks or additional treatments.

Being upright can hinder access to the airway and suctioning in a dental chair setting, while prone or Trendelenburg positions are impractical or unnecessary for this emergency and can complicate airway management and monitoring.