A nurse is reinforcing teaching about self-administration of nasal drops with a client. Which of the following positions should the nurse recommend for instillation of the drops?
Explanation & Rationale
When instructing a client on self-administration of nasal drops, the nurse should recommend the supine position. In the supine position, the client lies on their back with the head slightly elevated. This position allows for easy access to the nostrils and facilitates the proper instillation of the nasal drops. The other options are not recommended for instillation of nasal drops for various reasons: a) Sims position: Sims position is a side-lying position with the upper leg flexed. This position is often used for rectal examinations or procedures and is not suitable for instilling nasal drops. b) Prone position: Prone position refers to lying face down. It is not ideal for administering nasal drops as it can obstruct proper access to the nostrils and make it difficult to instill the drops accurately. d) Orthopneic position: Orthopneic position is a sitting position with the upper body supported by pillows. It is commonly used by individuals with respiratory distress to facilitate breathing. However, it is not specifically recommended for administering nasal drops as it may not provide optimal access to the nostrils for proper instillation.