How should you position an unresponsive patient for oral glucose administration?

For an unresponsive patient, the lateral recumbent position is the most appropriate choice for oral glucose administration. This position allows the patient to lie on their side, which is crucial in preventing aspiration should the patient vomit or have difficulty swallowing. When a patient is unresponsive, their protective airway reflexes may be diminished, increasing the risk of food or liquid entering the airway.

Using this position maximizes safety while administering the oral glucose, as it ensures that any excess glucose can drain from the mouth without posing a choking hazard. Additionally, this position enables better access for monitoring the patient's airway and breathing, which is vital in emergency situations.

In contrast, the other positions may not provide the same level of safety or practicality. For instance, a supine position lacks the protective benefits against aspiration, while sitting upright is challenging for an unresponsive individual, and the prone position is not suitable at all for administering oral medications since it obstructs the airway and can lead to respiratory distress.