In what position is a patient placed in the Trendelenburg position?

The Trendelenburg position involves placing a patient on their back with their head lower than their feet. This position is often used in medical settings to improve venous return to the heart, potentially increasing cardiac output and blood flow to vital organs, particularly in cases of shock or hypotension. By elevating the legs and lowering the head, gravity assists in promoting blood flow from the lower body towards the upper body, which can help stabilize a patient's condition.

The other positions listed do not reflect the correct alignment of the Trendelenburg position. For instance, having a patient on their side with legs elevated may be beneficial for certain conditions but does not provide the specific gravitational effect aimed for in Trendelenburg. Similarly, positioning a patient on their stomach with the head tilted would not achieve the physiological outcomes intended by the Trendelenburg approach. Finally, having a patient upright with their head supported doesn’t align with the intended goal of altering the blood flow dynamics that the Trendelenburg position facilitates.