A 10-year-old patient has returned to her room after a surgical procedure. Which observation should take priority for nursing action?

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the stool consistency is a crucial nursing action to assess the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency, such as those with cystic fibrosis, may have difficulty digesting fats properly. Improved stool consistency, specifically a reduction in greasy and foul-smelling stools, indicates that the pancreatic enzymes are aiding in fat digestion.

Choice B rationale:

Pupillary reflex response assessment is unrelated to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. It is more commonly performed to assess neurological status or the effects of medications affecting the autonomic nervous system.

Choice C rationale:

Listening to breath sounds is important for assessing respiratory status, but it does not directly reflect the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Auscultating the apical pulse rate is a general assessment of cardiovascular function and does not provide information about the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

Choice A rationale:

Priority consideration should be given to the child's intolerance of strangers, as it directly impacts the child's safety and comfort in the hospital environment.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing modesty is a normal developmental aspect, but it doesn't take precedence over safety concerns or the immediate hospital care needs.

Choice C rationale:

Having imaginary companions is a common behavior in children and is not an immediate priority in planning care.

Choice D rationale:

While the child's preference for others making decisions might be a consideration, it is not as urgent as addressing the child's intolerance of strangers, which can affect the child's emotional well-being and cooperation during hospitalization.