In an emergency, if a patient shows signs of hyperventilation, what is the recommended positioning maneuver?

In the case of hyperventilation, the recommended positioning maneuver is for the patient to be comfortably seated. This posture helps to stabilize the patient's breathing and allows for better lung expansion and gas exchange. The seated position can also help reduce anxiety, which is often a contributing factor to hyperventilation. It provides a sense of security and control, making it easier for the patient to focus on slow, controlled breathing.

Standing upright may cause increased anxiety due to the physiological stress of maintaining balance, which is not ideal during a hyperventilation episode. The supine position, while sometimes used in other medical scenarios, could compress the diaphragm and make it more difficult for a hyperventilating patient to breathe comfortably. Lying on the left side is primarily a position utilized for specific medical conditions or during pregnancy and does not address the immediate need to correct hyperventilation. Thus, a comfortably seated position is the most appropriate and effective choice for managing hyperventilation during an emergency.