Final answer:
The nurse should position the patient flat with the operative ear facing up.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the immediate post-operative period after tympanoplasty, the nurse should position the patient flat with the operative ear facing up.
This position helps to minimize pressure on the surgical site and promote proper drainage from the ear. It also helps to prevent complications such as bleeding, infection, or displacement of the graft.
By positioning the patient in this way, the nurse is ensuring that the surgical site is protected and allowing for optimal healing and recovery.