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: A decreased heart rate is not a sign of pain in an infant, as pain usually causes an increased heart rate due to sympathetic nervous system activation. A decreased heart rate may indicate other problems, such as hypothermia, hypoxia, or bradycardia.

Choice B: A decreased respiratory rate is not a sign of pain in an infant, as pain usually causes an increased respiratory rate due to sympathetic nervous system activation. A decreased respiratory rate may indicate other problems, such as hypothermia, hypoxia, or respiratory depression.

Choice C: An increased formula consumption is not a sign of pain in an infant, as pain usually causes a decreased appetite and oral intake due to discomfort and distress. An increased formula consumption may indicate other factors, such as growth spurt, hunger, or thirst.

Choice D: An increased crying episode is a sign of pain in an infant, as crying is one of the most common and reliable indicators of pain in infants who cannot verbalize their feelings. An increased crying episode may also be accompanied by other signs of pain, such as facial grimacing, body tensing, or inconsolability.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because 1 cup of cooked rice provides more than 1 oz of grains. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one-ounce equivalent of grains equals one slice of bread, one cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or half a cup of cooked rice, pasta, or cereal. Therefore, 1 cup of cooked rice provides about 2 oz of grains.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because 1/2 slice of white bread provides less than 1 oz of grains. As explained above, one-ounce equivalent of grains equals one slice of bread, so 1/2 slice of white bread provides only 0.5 oz of grains.

Choice C reason: This choice is correct because 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal flakes provides exactly 1 oz of grains. As explained above, the one-ounce equivalent of grains equals one cup of ready-to-eat cereal, so 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal flakes provides 1 oz of grains.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because 1/2 white flour tortilla provides less than 1 oz of grains. According to the USDA, one-ounce equivalent of grains equals one small tortilla (6 inches in diameter), so 1/2 white flour tortilla provides only about 0.4 oz of grains.