A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who has respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Which of the following positions should the nurse encourage to allow maximal lung expansion?

A. Upright: In an upright position, gravity helps expand the lungs, allowing for maximal ventilation and improved oxygenation. This position helps the diaphragm move downward and increases lung volume, making it easier to breathe. B. Side-lying: Side-lying positions may be helpful in certain situations, such as in cases of aspiration pneumonia, but they do not provide the best lung expansion for respiratory failure. C. Supine: Lying flat on the back can increase the work of breathing and make it harder for the lungs to fully expand, especially in a child with respiratory distress. D. Prone: The prone position is sometimes used in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults, but it is not commonly recommended for children with pneumonia unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider.