A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

A. Establish a new routine for the child to follow while in the facility. - Preschoolers thrive on routines and familiarity, especially in unfamiliar environments like acute care facilities. Therefore, it's essential for the nurse to maintain the child's existing routine as much as possible to provide a sense of security and stability.
B. Encourage the child to play with toys such as a pounding board. - Encouraging play with age-appropriate toys helps promote normalcy, reduce anxiety, and facilitate coping for preschoolers during their hospital stay. Toys like a pounding board provide opportunities for physical activity and engagement, which can help distract and entertain the child.
C. Use medical terminology when discussing procedures with the child. - Preschoolers have limited understanding of complex medical terminology. Using simple, age-appropriate language helps the child better comprehend what is happening, reducing fear and anxiety. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to avoid medical jargon and use language the child can understand.
D. Perform the morning assessments when the parent is not in the room. - Preschoolers often feel more comfortable and secure when their parents are present, especially in unfamiliar environments like hospitals. Performing assessments in the presence of the parent helps maintain the child's sense of security and allows the parent to participate in the child's care and provide comfort and support.

A. Measure the legs with a tape measure to determine stocking size: Antiembolic stockings should fit properly to provide therapeutic compression without causing discomfort or impairing circulation. Measuring the legs accurately with a tape measure ensures the stockings fit appropriately and exert the correct amount of pressure to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote venous return.
B. Remove the stockings every 24 hr: Antiembolic stockings are typically worn continuously, especially during periods of immobility, to maintain consistent compression and prevent blood clots. Removing the stockings every 24 hours would interrupt the therapeutic effect and increase the client's risk of developing DVT.
C. Massage the legs before applying the stockings: Massaging the legs before applying antiembolic stockings is contraindicated, as it can dislodge blood clots and increase the risk of embolism. Additionally, massaging may cause trauma to the skin and exacerbate any existing circulatory issues.
D. Fold the stockings at the top if they are too long: Folding the stockings at the top if they are too long can create pressure points and compromise circulation, leading to discomfort and potentially exacerbating vascular issues. It is essential to ensure the stockings fit properly by selecting the appropriate size rather than folding them.