A nurse is assessing a toddler who has a history of lead poisoning.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Jacket restraints are typically used to secure a child’s arms during procedures. They are not specifically designed for venipuncture in infants.

Choice Drationale

Elbow restraints are used to secure the child’s elbows, often during procedures involving the upper body. They are not typically used for venipuncture.

Choice Brationale

Mitten restraints are used to prevent the child from scratching or removing tubes. They are not typically used for venipuncture.

Choice Crationale

Mummy restraints are often used for infants during procedures like venipuncture. They allow the child to be wrapped securely while leaving one area exposed for the procedure.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: A cooling blanket is typically used to manage hyperthermia in conditions like malignant hyperthermia, not routine postoperative recovery. It might cause the toddler to become too cold, leading to hypothermia or discomfort.

Choice B rationale: IV dantrolene sodium is administered for malignant hyperthermia, a rare but serious reaction to certain anesthesia medications. It is not appropriate for routine surgical recovery unless such a reaction is suspected or diagnosed.

Choice C rationale: Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing, helping to prevent postoperative respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. It is an effective tool to promote lung expansion and improve oxygenation in the recovering toddler.

Choice D rationale: Administering aspirin to a toddler is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious condition causing swelling in the liver and brain. Alternative pain management strategies should be utilized for pediatric patients.