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: Encouraging the parents to rock the infant is an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can provide comfort, security, and bonding for the infant who is recovering from surgery. Rocking can also soothe the infant's pain and distress and promote sleep and relaxation.

Choice B: Administering blood thinners as needed for pain is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as blood thinners are not analgesics and can cause bleeding complications in an infant who is postoperative. Blood thinners are medications that prevent or reduce blood clotting, which can increase the risk of hemorrhage or hematoma. The nurse should administer analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as prescribed by the provider for pain relief.

Choice C: Positioning the infant on her abdomen is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can cause pressure or trauma to the surgical site and increase the risk of infection or dehiscence. Positioning the infant on her abdomen can also impair the infant's breathing and oxygenation and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The nurse should position the infant on her back or side with her head elevated and supported.

Choice D: Offering the infant a pacifier is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can cause suction or friction on the surgical site and increase the risk of infection or dehiscence. Offering the infant a pacifier can also interfere with the infant's feeding and nutrition and cause nipple confusion or preference. The nurse should avoid giving the infant anything in her mouth except for a bottle or breast with a special nipple that does not touch the surgical site.

Choice A: This action is not appropriate, as it may cause more harm than good to separate the child from the parents without sufficient evidence or reason. Separating the child from the parents can cause fear, anxiety, or resentment in both parties and may interfere with establishing rapport and trust. The nurse should only separate the child from the parents if there is an immediate threat or danger to the child's safety.

Choice B: This action is premature, as it may violate confidentiality and ethical principles to report suspected abuse to the authorities without sufficient evidence or reason. Reporting suspected abuse to the authorities can have serious legal and social consequences for both parties and may escalate or worsen the situation. The nurse should only report suspected abuse to the authorities if there is clear evidence or indication of abuse or if mandated by law.

Choice C: This action is irrelevant, as it may not address the issue or help resolve it to ask a psychiatrist to talk with the parents without sufficient evidence or reason. Asking a psychiatrist to talk with the parents can imply that they have mental health problems or that they are guilty of abuse, which can cause stigma, anger, or denial. The nurse should only ask a psychiatrist to talk with the parents if there is evidence or indication of mental health problems or if requested by them.

Choice D: This action is appropriate, as it can help determine whether there is any evidence or reason to suspect abuse or not. Obtaining a detailed history can provide information about how, when, where, and why the bruises occurred and whether they are consistent with accidental or intentional injury. The nurse should obtain a detailed history from both parties separately and in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner.