Positioning the child on the side (side-lying position) is the priority action after tonsiloectomy. It will permit the flow of secretions (like blood) from the mouth that could block the child's airway (airway patency is the priority). So, the most important thing is to maintain an open airway. Excessive coughing could actually trigger bleeding. The child will be on nothing-by-mouth status during the immediate postoperative period.