What should you encourage a resident to do after administering a nasal spray?

Encouraging a resident to tilt their head back and wait for at least one minute after administering a nasal spray is beneficial for ensuring effective absorption of the medication. When the head is tilted back, it allows the spray to be distributed more evenly in the nasal passages, which aids in the medication's absorption through the nasal mucosa. This position can also help minimize the drip of the medication down the throat, which can occur if the head is upright or if the resident immediately wipes or blows their nose.

After administering the nasal spray, keeping the head elevated encourages the medication to stay in the nasal cavity longer, enhancing its effectiveness. It is also important to allow time for the medication to take effect before engaging in activities that may disrupt its absorption, such as blowing the nose or lying down flat.

Options that suggest immediate wiping or blowing of the nose, or lying down flat, do not align with the best practices for nasal administration, as they can impede the absorption of the medication and reduce its effectiveness.