RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1176 of 2368

Which position should the nurse use for a child immediately after tonsillectomy to prevent aspiration of blood or saliva?

  1. Prone or side-lying
  2. Supine with the head of the bed flat
  3. Supine with a small pillow
  4. Semi-Fowler's with the head of the bed raised
Show answer

Correct answer: Prone or side-lying

A prone or side-lying position lets blood and saliva drain from the mouth instead of being aspirated.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Childhood Respiratory Disorders: Implementation (Take Action). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026