North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What position should a resident be in after receiving nose drops?

1. Sit upright for a few minutes

2. Lie down with head lower than shoulders

3. Stand up for a few minutes

4. Lie flat on their back

The correct answer is: Lie down with head lower than shoulders

The correct position for a resident after administering nose drops is to lie down with their head lower than their shoulders. This position is recommended because it helps ensure that the medication can effectively reach the nasal passages and sinuses. When the head is lower than the shoulders, gravity assists in facilitating the spread of the drops, enhancing their therapeutic effect. This position also minimizes the chance of the medication running out of the nostril and not being absorbed properly. By having the resident lying in this way, you optimize the effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring that the medication serves its purpose—be it for decongestion, antiseptic treatment, or any other indication for the nose drops. Other positions, such as sitting upright, standing, or lying flat on the back, would not allow for optimal absorption and could lead to the medication pooling or running out, thereby reducing its intended effectiveness.