For effective nasal medication administration, how should a resident position themselves?

For effective nasal medication administration, positioning is crucial to ensure that the medication can be properly absorbed and reach the intended site of action in the nasal passages. The correct positioning involves having the resident lying on their back with their head lower than their shoulders.

This position allows gravity to assist in the distribution of the medication within the nasal cavity. When the head is in a position where it is lower than the shoulders, it can help facilitate the flow of the medication toward the sinuses and prevent it from draining out of the nostrils too quickly. This method enhances the effectiveness of the nasal medication by promoting better contact with the nasal mucosa, which is important for absorption.

In contrast, other positions like sitting upright or tilting the head back may not allow the medication to stay in contact with the nasal lining long enough for optimal absorption. Standing with the mouth open does not provide any advantage for nasal medication administration and could lead to inefficient delivery. Thus, the specific positioning of lying back with the head lower than the shoulders is key for maximizing the therapeutic effect of the medication placed in the nostrils.