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

A. Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.
Explanation: Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling, especially in the initial period after casting.
B. Place a heating pad on the lower end of the cast and over the fingers if the fingers feel cold.
Explanation: Applying heat can increase the risk of burns and is not recommended. If the fingers feel cold, it may indicate a circulation issue, and the healthcare provider should be contacted.
C. Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Explanation: Keeping small toys and sharp objects away from the cast is important to prevent injury or damage to the cast.
D. Use a padded ruler or another padded object to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
Explanation: Inserting objects under the cast can lead to complications, including skin damage or infection. It is advisable not to insert anything into the cast.
E. Use the fingertips to lift the cast while it is drying.
Explanation: Lifting or manipulating the cast during the drying process can compromise its integrity and should be avoided. The cast needs to dry completely to provide proper support and immobilization.
F. Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) if the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity.
Explanation: Numbness or tingling can indicate a circulation problem, and it is important to contact the healthcare provider for further assessment.

A. The child needs to avoid exposure to other illnesses.
Explanation: Children with AIDS have compromised immune systems and are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is important to minimize exposure to other illnesses to reduce the risk of infections.
B. Frequent handwashing is important.
Explanation: Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of infections. Encouraging frequent handwashing is crucial in the care of a child with AIDS.
C. Clean up body fluid spills with bleach solution (10:1 ratio of water to bleach).
Explanation: Using a bleach solution to clean up body fluid spills helps to disinfect and reduce the risk of transmission of infections. The recommended ratio is 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.
D. Monitor the child's weight.
Explanation: Monitoring the child's weight is important for assessing nutritional status and overall health. Weight loss may indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
E. The child's immunization schedule will need revision.
Explanation: Children with AIDS may have altered immune function, but the need for immunizations is still crucial. However, live vaccines may need to be avoided. The immunization schedule should be discussed and individualized with the healthcare provider.
F. Fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea are expected to occur and do not require special intervention.
Explanation: While these symptoms may occur, they should not be dismissed without evaluation. Any changes in the child's health, including symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea, should be reported to the healthcare provider for appropriate assessment and intervention.