A nurse is caring for a child who is to receive percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. "At this age you should expect your child to be upset when you leave.": This statement provides normalcy to the parents' experience and reassures them that their child's reaction is typical for his age. It acknowledges the child's developmental stage and separation anxiety, helping to alleviate parental concerns.

B. "Your child needs to rest.": While rest is important for infants, this statement does not address the child's emotional needs or the parents' concerns about leaving their child. It may also minimize the significance of the child's distress.

C. "I will notify the provider of his behavior.": Notifying the healthcare provider may be appropriate if the child's distress continues or if there are concerns about the child's well-being, but this statement does not directly address the parents' concerns or provide guidance on how to manage the situation.

D. "Your child is responding to an overstimulating environment.": This statement suggests a possible cause for the child's distress but does not provide guidance or reassurance to the parents on how to address the situation or manage their child's reaction.

A. Onlooker play:

Onlooker play is when a child observes others playing without actively participating themselves. This type of play typically involves watching others engage in activities or play without joining in. It does not directly involve role-playing or hands-on activities to prepare a child for surgery.

B. Therapeutic play:

This is the correct answer. Therapeutic play involves using play activities to help children express their feelings, fears, and concerns about medical procedures or hospitalization. It often includes role-playing and hands-on activities such as practicing medical procedures on dolls or stuffed animals. Therapeutic play helps children become familiar with medical equipment and procedures in a non-threatening environment, reducing anxiety and promoting coping skills.

C. Cooperative play:

Cooperative play involves children playing together, interacting, and collaborating in shared activities. While cooperative play can be beneficial for social development, it does not necessarily involve role-playing or hands-on activities specific to preparing a child for surgery.

D. Play therapy:

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help children express their thoughts and emotions. While play therapy can be therapeutic for children dealing with various issues, including medical procedures, it is typically facilitated by a trained therapist rather than being directly utilized to prepare a child for surgery through role-playing or hands-on activities.