Which of the following indicates that an adult patient should be placed in the recovery position?

The correct answer is identified as the scenario where the adult patient is unconscious but breathing adequately. This situation indicates that the patient's airway needs to be protected, yet they are still at a certain level of functioning—specifically, their breathing is stable.

Placing an unconscious patient in the recovery position is vital because it helps keep the airway open and ensures that any fluids or vomit can drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. This position also prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway, which is important for maintaining adequate oxygenation.

In the case of an unconscious patient who is not breathing, immediate resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, are necessary rather than placing them in the recovery position. For a conscious patient with clear speech, there is generally no need to adjust their position given they are able to maintain their own airway. Finally, a conscious patient who cannot walk should not be placed in the recovery position, as they do not present the same risks associated with unresponsiveness. Thus, an unconscious but adequately breathing patient is the specific scenario where the recovery position is both appropriate and necessary for ensuring continued safety and airway management.