A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a 12-month-old infant following cleft palate repair. Which of the following actions should the nurse include?

Keeping a baby rear-facing in the car seat until they reach the age of 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits recommended by the car seat manufacturer is a crucial safety guideline. Rear-facing car seats provide better support for a baby's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of severe injuries.

"I should place my baby in the car seat at a 90-degree angle." The correct positioning for a rear-facing car seat is typically between a 30 to 45-degree angle. This angle helps ensure the baby's airway remains open and prevents their head from flopping forward.

"I should position the car seat's retainer clip at the level of my baby's belly button." The retainer clip of the car seat should be positioned at armpit level, not at the level of the baby's belly button. The retainer clip is designed to secure the harness straps and should be placed across the chest, resting on the bony part of the shoulders.

"I should enable the airbag when my baby is in the front seat of the car." It is not safe to have a rear-facing car seat with a baby in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag. Airbags can pose a significant risk to infants due to the force with which they deploy. It is recommended to place a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle and disable the airbag in the front passenger seat if the baby needs to ride in the front.

It is important for parents to receive proper education on car seat safety and follow the guidelines set forth by car seat manufacturers, national recommendations, and local laws and regulations.

a . Provide a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery.

The correct answer is a. Provide a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery.

Explanation:

When caring for an adolescent scheduled for surgery, providing a tour of the perioperative area prior to the procedure is an important action for the nurse to take. Adolescents may experience fear and anxiety related to the unfamiliar environment and procedures associated with surgery. Providing a tour allows the adolescent to become familiar with the surroundings, equipment, and healthcare team, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control.

Explanation for the other options:

b. Explain that anesthesia is a special type of sleep: While it is important to provide information about anesthesia to the adolescent, describing it as a "special type of sleep" may be misleading. Anesthesia is a medical procedure that involves more than just being asleep, and it is important to provide accurate information to the adolescent.

c. Keep medical equipment out of the client's sight: While it is important to create a comfortable and non- threatening environment for the adolescent, completely hiding medical equipment may not be feasible or necessary. Instead, the nurse should address any specific fears or concerns the adolescent may have and provide age-appropriate explanations and reassurance.

d. Wait until after surgery to explain the importance of coughing and deep breathing: It is important to provide preoperative education to the adolescent to promote their understanding and cooperation. Explaining the importance of coughing and deep breathing before surgery helps the adolescent prepare and participate in their own recovery. Waiting until after surgery may result in missed opportunities for early postoperative interventions.

In summary, providing a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery helps familiarize the adolescent with the environment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control.