The seated position is the best position to delay the progression of shock.

• A. True
• B. Not recommended
• C. False
• D. Depends on patient

Answer: (C)

In shock, the goal is to maximize venous return and perfusion to vital organs. Placing the patient flat on their back, with the legs elevated a bit if there’s no contraindication, helps return blood to the heart and improves preload, which supports better cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The seated position does the opposite: gravity pulls blood down into the legs, reducing venous return and potentially worsening blood pressure and perfusion. So the seated position is not the best way to delay progression of shock; lying supine and elevating the legs is the standard initial approach unless there’s a specific contraindication like suspected spinal injury.