A nurse is providing instructions for a rectal medication administration. What should be included?

When administering rectal medications, it is crucial to advise the client to remain still for a few minutes after the administration. This recommendation is essential because it allows the medication to be absorbed effectively into the rectal mucosa without being expelled. If the client moves or engages in activities immediately after administration, there is a risk that the medication might be lost, leading to reduced effectiveness.

Keeping the medication at room temperature is generally a good practice, but it is not as critical to the administration process as ensuring the client remains still. Inserting the medication should be done gently and not with excessive force, as this could cause discomfort or injury to the rectal tissues; however, this does not relate directly to the advice for the client post-administration. Having the client lie on their back is not the ideal positioning for rectal medication; typically, a side-lying position (Sims' position) is preferred to facilitate easier insertion and comfort.

Thus, guiding the client to remain still after administering the medication is the most pertinent and critical instruction for ensuring the medication is properly absorbed and effective.