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. Supine: Lying on the back can limit lung expansion and is not the best position for a child with respiratory issues. It can contribute to atelectasis and does not facilitate effective breathing. B. Prone: The prone position can improve oxygenation and ventilation, particularly in severe respiratory distress, but it may not be the most comfortable or practical for all patients, especially in a non-ICU setting. C. Upright: Sitting upright or in a high Fowler's position is optimal for lung expansion. It facilitates easier breathing and helps the lungs expand more fully, allowing for better oxygenation. D. Side-lying: Side-lying may be comfortable but does not provide as much benefit for lung expansion as the upright position. It is less effective in promoting maximal lung expansion compared to the upright position.