Which sleep position reduces SIDS risk?

Study for the CMS Practical Nursing (PN) Pediatrics Test. Master pediatric nursing with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Prepare with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which sleep position reduces SIDS risk?

Explanation:
Sleeping on the back reduces SIDS risk. When a baby sleeps supine, the airway stays more open and the chance of rebreathing carbon dioxide from exhaled air is minimized, which helps prevent airway obstruction and suffocation. Propping the baby on the stomach or even the side can lead to airway compromise or the baby rolling into a position where breathing is more difficult, increasing SIDS risk. Sitting upright isn’t a sleep position for infants and doesn’t provide the safe, flat surface that helps maintain an open airway during sleep.

Sleeping on the back reduces SIDS risk. When a baby sleeps supine, the airway stays more open and the chance of rebreathing carbon dioxide from exhaled air is minimized, which helps prevent airway obstruction and suffocation. Propping the baby on the stomach or even the side can lead to airway compromise or the baby rolling into a position where breathing is more difficult, increasing SIDS risk. Sitting upright isn’t a sleep position for infants and doesn’t provide the safe, flat surface that helps maintain an open airway during sleep.

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