While caring for a child after undergoing a tonsillectomy, the child should be placed in what position to help facilitate drainage of secretions?

Explanation

•After surgery, place the child in the prone or side lying position. This allows blood and unswallowed saliva to drain from the child’s mouth rather than back to the pharynx, where it may be aspirated.

•A tonsillectomy is the removal of all or part of the tonsils in the pharynx. Chronic tonsillitis is the main indication for removal of the tonsils.

•Supine, Trendelenberg's, and reverse Trendelenberg's do not facilitate drainage from the mouth and may increase risk of aspiration.

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