Which description best defines Trendelenburg position?

• A. The body is laid flat on the back with the feet higher than the head by 15-30 degrees.
• B. The body is lying on the stomach with legs elevated.
• C. The body is seated upright with knees bent.
• D. The body is on the side with the head lower than the feet.

Answer: (A)

Trendelenburg position is defined by lying on the back with the body tilted so the feet are higher than the head, typically by about 15–30 degrees. This orientation uses gravity to shift blood toward the central circulation, increasing venous return to the heart and improving perfusion to vital organs in certain situations, such as some cases of hypotension or during specific surgical procedures. It’s not used when there are concerns about increased intracranial pressure or respiratory compromise, since it can worsen breathing and brain swelling. The other descriptions describe different positions—prone with legs elevated, seated upright, or a side-lying tilt with the head lower than the feet—so they do not match the supine with feet elevated orientation that defines Trendelenburg.