Question

The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client who has undergone tonsillectomy. In which position will the nurse place the head of the bed when the client is fully awake?

a. flat with the head elevated on a pillow
b. slightly raised at a 15 degree angle
c. raised at a 45 degree angle
d. raised at a 90 degree sitting position

Answer 1

After a tonsillectomy, and once the patient is fully awake, the nurse should elevate the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle to aid breathing and recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing postoperative care for a client who has undergone a tonsillectomy, it is important to position them correctly to aid recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Once the client is fully awake, the nurse should position the head of the bed raised at a 45-degree angle.

This position helps with breathing, as general anesthesia can affect the muscles necessary for respiration, and maintaining an open airway is crucial post-surgery. Elevating the head of the bed to this angle will also help to control any potential backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, which can be beneficial given that the throat is often sore after this procedure.