A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who is 12 hr postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain rating scales should the nurse use?

A. Preschoolers typically have a limited understanding of death and may not experience isolation in the way older children or adults do. They may be more concerned about the reactions of those around them rather than feeling isolated.

B. At this stage, preschoolers are more likely to be concerned with bodily functions and their emotional state rather than worrying about physical body changes after death.

C. Preschoolers often perceive death as a form of punishment due to magical thinking. They may believe that death happens because of something they did wrong or something they caused, reflecting a child’s egocentric thinking.

D. Preschoolers generally do not understand the permanence of death. They may believe that the person will return or that they could wake up from a nap. This understanding typically develops around the age of 6.

A. Passive range-of-motion exercises should be performed to prevent complications like contractures, but they should be done as ordered by the provider, not automatically every 2 hours.

B. Applying protective padding to the end of the pin sites helps prevent pressure injuries and irritation, which is a key part of maintaining skin integrity and preventing infection.

C. There is no indication that fiber intake should be reduced. In fact, a high-fiber diet is encouraged to prevent constipation, which is a common complication for immobile patients.

D. The traction weights should not be lifted off the floor, as this could interfere with the traction setup and the healing process. Traction should be maintained properly to align and stabilize the fracture.