PCCN Progressive Care Certified Nursing

Answer: C - In tripod position, a person sits upright, leaning forward with chin out, mouth open and tongue protruding. Tripod position is one of the positions acquired by the patient having acute epiglottitis. Acute epiglottitis requires immediate medical attention because it can rapidly cause obstruction. The onset of the problem is suddenly during the night with a fever but not usually a cough. The tripod position describes the person who sits upright, leans forward with chin out, mouth open and tongue protruding. This condition has a risk of death, immediate treatment is necessary.