A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The nurse should place the child in which of the following positions?

The correct answer is D: Supine. Placing the child in a supine position promotes proper drainage and prevents obstruction of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Supine position helps maintain a neutral head position, reducing the risk of complications. A 45-degree head elevation (choice A) can increase intracranial pressure, which is contraindicated in this case. Placing the child on the nonoperative side (choice B) or prone (choice C) can potentially cause kinking or obstruction of the shunt tubing.