A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. The child is now ready to resume oral intake. Which of the following dietary choices should the nurse offer the child?

Choice A Reason:

"Encourage your partner to eat three large meals each day." In end-of-life care, the focus shifts from large meals to providing comfort and meeting the patient's nutritional needs, which might not involve large meals due to potential decreased appetite or difficulty swallowing.

Choice B Reason:

"We will use an electric blanket to keep your partner warm. “While keeping the patient warm is essential, the use of an electric blanket might not always be appropriate due to the risk of burns or changes in sensation that can occur in some conditions.

Choice C Reason:

"Opioids will be restricted if your partner develops respiratory distress. “This statement might not convey the full context of pain and symptom management in end-of-life care. Opioids are often used judiciously to manage distressing symptoms, including pain and respiratory distress, under careful monitoring rather than being strictly restricted.

Choice D Reason:

"Assume your partner can hear you, even if they do not respond." This statement emphasizes the importance of communication and connection with the partner who may be unresponsive. Research suggests that hearing may persist even when a person is unable to respond, so speaking to the person respectfully and with care can provide comfort and support during this time.

Choice A Reason:

A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose of 200 mg/dL. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL in a child with diabetes may require management, but it might not present an immediate life-threatening situation.

Choice B Reason:

A toddler who has nephrotic syndrome and facial edema. Facial edema in a child with nephrotic syndrome requires assessment and potential intervention but might not pose an immediate threat to life compared to an airway obstruction.

Choice C Reason:

A preschool-age child who has a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough. A muffled voice and the absence of spontaneous cough could be indicative of an upper airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure the child's airway is clear and that breathing is not compromised.

Choice D Reason:

An adolescent who has Crohn's disease and a recent weight loss of 5 kg (11 lb).

- Weight loss in an adolescent with Crohn's disease is concerning but might not represent an immediate life-threatening situation compared to a potential airway obstruction.