A 4-year-old girl has been transferred to a step-down recovery room after a tonsillectomy yesterday. The nurse should place the child in what position while she sleeps?

Number 4 is correct.

Rationale: The child should be placed in a side-lying position while sleeping so oral secretions can drain without presenting the risk of airway obstruction. The child may choke on secretions from drainage if placed in the other positions.