To properly administer a rectal suppository, the resident should be positioned on which side?

When administering a rectal suppository, positioning the resident on their left side is preferred for several important reasons. This position enables gravity to assist in the insertion and ensures that the suppository can move more easily into the rectum. The anatomy of the rectal area also supports this approach, as the rectum is oriented in a way that facilitates insertion from the left side.

Additionally, positioning the resident on their left side, often referred to as the Sims position, helps to relax the anal sphincter, making the process more comfortable and effective. This position also minimizes the risk of the suppository being expelled upon insertion, as it allows the medication to dissolve and absorb properly.

Other positions, such as lying on the right side or on the stomach, may not support the same level of ease or effectiveness for the administration of a rectal suppository. Sitting upright may also lead to discomfort and could hinder the proper placement of the suppository. Therefore, the left side is the most effective and safest position for this procedure.