To prevent breakage when dropping a patient's appliance, how should it be held?

Holding a patient's appliance over a sink filled with water is the most effective method for preventing breakage in the event of a drop. The water provides a cushioning effect that can absorb the impact and minimize damage to the appliance. If the appliance falls, the soft padding of the water helps to prevent it from hitting a hard surface, which could result in cracks, breaks, or other forms of damage.

When considering the other options, holding the appliance directly over the floor poses a high risk of breakage since the floor is a hard surface that would not absorb any impact. Similarly, while holding it over a cushioned surface is better than the floor, it may not provide the same level of impact absorption as water. Lastly, using both hands may provide a better grip and control, but it does not address the issue of where the appliance will fall should an accident occur. The key factor is the environment in which the appliance is being held, making the option of a sink with water the best choice for safeguarding the appliance during handling.