A nurse is caring for a child who is 2 hours postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following fluid items should the nurse offer the child at this time?

Choice A: This response indicates an understanding of the teaching, as pancreatic enzymes are essential for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food and prevent malnutrition, steatorrhea, or vitamin deficiencies. Pancreatic enzymes should be given with snacks and meals to ensure adequate digestion.

Choice B: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as low-fat meals with limited protein are not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Low-fat meals with limited protein can cause malnutrition, weight loss, or growth failure in a child who has CF. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is recommended for a child who has CF to meet their increased energy needs and promote growth and development.

Choice C: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as limiting fluid intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the airways and lungs and cause respiratory infections and complications. Limiting fluid intake can cause dehydration, thickening of mucus, or difficulty in expectoration in a child who has CF. Adequate fluid intake is recommended for a child who has CF to hydrate the body, thin out mucus, and facilitate clearance.

Choice D: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as restricting salt intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes excessive loss of salt through sweat due to abnormal chloride transport in cells. Restricting salt intake can cause hyponatremia, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance in a child who has CF. Adequate salt intake is recommended for a child who has CF to replace the lost salt and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice A: This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching, as it is correct that insulin can be injected anywhere there is adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is the layer of fat under the skin that can absorb insulin and prevent damage to muscles or organs. The common sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms.

Choice B: This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching, as it is correct that the child should rotate sites after 5 injections in one area. Rotating sites can prevent lipodystrophy, which is a condition that causes abnormal changes in fat tissue due to repeated injections. Lipodystrophy can affect the appearance and absorption of insulin in the affected area.

Choice C: This statement indicates a need for further teaching, as it is incorrect that the child should aspirate before injecting the insulin. Aspiration is the process of pulling back on the plunger of the syringe to check for blood before injecting the medication. Aspiration is not recommended for insulin injection, as it can cause pain, bruising, or leakage of insulin from the injection site.

Choice D: This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching, as it is correct that insulin should be injected at a 90-degree angle. Injecting insulin at a 90-degree angle can ensure that the medication reaches the adipose tissue and prevents skin irritation or muscle damage. The only exception is if the child has very thin skin or uses very short needles, in which case they may inject at a 45-degree angle.