What should be done after administering nasal medication?

Administering nasal medication requires certain post-administration techniques to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Having the client sniff or breathe through their nose after administering the nasal medication helps to disperse the medication within the nasal passages and allows it to reach the targeted mucosal sites effectively. This action can also aid in ensuring that the medication adheres to the mucous membranes, increasing its therapeutic efficacy.

In contrast, asking the client to swallow would not be appropriate, as it may reduce the absorption of the medication that is designed for nasal delivery. Waiting for 15 minutes could lead to a loss of the medication's efficacy due to drainage, and instructing the client to lay down might hinder the medication from reaching its intended site of action within the nasal cavity. Therefore, having the client sniff or breathe through their nose is the best practice after nasal medication administration.