Patients with central venous catheters should be placed in which position for removal?

For the removal of central venous catheters, the patient is best positioned flat in a supine position to minimize the risk of complications such as air embolism. This position allows for easier access to the catheter site and helps maintain venous return and decrease the likelihood of air entering the bloodstream during the removal process. Additionally, the supine position promotes the formation of a thrombus at the catheter tip and aids in preventing excessive bleeding by maintaining pressure on the insertion site once the catheter is removed.

In contrast, other positions like Fowler or Semi-Fowler could lead to increased risk of air embolism by facilitating air entry into the central venous system due to gravitational dynamics. A prone position is not suitable as it complicates access to the catheter site and does not support the necessary physiological mechanisms for safe removal. Thus, positioning the patient flat and supine is the most effective approach for central venous catheter removal.