American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What does positional asphyxia refer to?

1. A position that restricts blood flow

2. A position that occludes the mouth or airway

3. A position that leads to hyperventilation

4. A position that causes excessive movement

The correct answer is: A position that occludes the mouth or airway

Positional asphyxia specifically refers to a condition where an individual's positioning restricts airflow, thereby leading to difficulty in breathing. In this context, the correct answer highlights that certain positions can lead to an occlusion of the mouth or airway, which is critical for respiration. Situations such as being restrained face down or being in a cramped or awkward position can impair the body's ability to receive adequate oxygen, leading to asphyxia. The other options, while they describe positions that might cause various physiological issues, do not accurately capture the specific mechanism of positional asphyxia. For instance, restricting blood flow can lead to other complications, but it does not directly relate to the primary issue with airflow that characterizes asphyxia. Similarly, hyperventilation and excessive movement do not directly correlate with airway obstruction, which is central to understanding positional asphyxia. Thus, the emphasis on airway occlusion aligns precisely with the definition and understanding of the term.