When admitting an 8-year-old child with asthma who is short of breath, which position should the child be placed in?

Placing the child in a High-Fowler position is the most appropriate choice for an 8-year-old experiencing shortness of breath due to asthma. High-Fowler position, typically set at an angle of 60 to 90 degrees, promotes optimal lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing by allowing gravity to assist in the movement of the diaphragm. This position also encourages the use of accessory muscles of respiration, reducing the work of breathing and improving oxygenation.

When children are short of breath, positioning is critical for their comfort and respiratory function. In the High-Fowler position, they are more likely to maintain an open airway and maximize lung capacity, which is especially important during an asthma exacerbation. This positioning can help reduce anxiety as well, since children may feel more in control when they can sit up rather than being confined to a flat or uncomfortable position.

Other positions, such as supine, left lateral, or Trendelenburg, might not support optimal breathing in this situation. Supine can restrict further expansion of the lungs, potentially worsening the child's breathing difficulty. Left lateral may not provide the same level of respiratory support as High-Fowler, as it can also impose some pressure on the chest. Trendelenburg position might result in elevated blood flow to