In what position should you place the resident when giving a rectal suppository?

Placing the resident in Sims' position is the correct choice for administering a rectal suppository. This position involves the resident lying on their left side with the left leg straight and the right leg bent at the knee. This positioning allows for easier access to the rectum and helps facilitate the insertion of the suppository, as it aligns the rectum in a way that minimizes resistance and increases comfort for the patient.

Additionally, Sims' position can reduce the risk of injury to the rectal mucosa, as it provides a natural curvature that aids in gently guiding the suppository into the rectal canal. This approach is also beneficial for the patient’s comfort and dignity during the procedure, ensuring that healthcare workers can perform the task effectively while maintaining respect for the patient's privacy.

The other positions mentioned, such as supine, sitting, and prone, do not provide the same advantages for this specific procedure. Supine may make it more difficult to reach the rectal area, sitting could be uncomfortable, and prone would hinder access entirely, making Sims' position the most effective and appropriate choice.