Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

Which body position is typically associated with increasing blood flow to the brain?

1. Supine position

2. Sitting position

3. Trendelenburg's position

4. Reverse Trendelenburg's position

The correct answer is: Trendelenburg's position

Trendelenburg's position is typically associated with increasing blood flow to the brain. In this position, the patient is laid flat on their back with the legs elevated higher than the head. This orientation encourages venous return to the heart and subsequently increases cerebral perfusion. When a person is in the Trendelenburg position, the elevation of the legs promotes better blood flow back to the heart. With increased cardiac output, more blood is then distributed to the head and brain. This position can be particularly useful in emergency situations where a person may be experiencing shock or other conditions that necessitate increased blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. In contrast, the supine position (lying flat on the back) does not provide the same benefit for cerebral blood flow, as the head remains at the same level as the heart. The sitting position can promote some blood flow to the brain, but it may not be as effective as the Trendelenburg position in maximizing perfusion. The reverse Trendelenburg's position, where the head is elevated and the legs are lower, is generally used to reduce blood flow to the brain and may be indicated in other medical situations, such as to decrease intracranial pressure.