A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of a 14-month-old toddler who is 24 h postoperative following a cleft palate repair. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A. Allow the child to see and touch IV tubing and supplies.

Allowing the child to see and touch the IV tubing and supplies can help familiarize them with the equipment and reduce anxiety. However, there may be a more appropriate action to take first.

B. Explain to the child's parents what role they will have during the procedure.

While it's important to involve the child's parents and inform them of their role during the procedure, the priority should be to prepare the child for the insertion itself.

C. Describe the procedure using visual aids.

Using visual aids can be helpful in explaining the procedure to the child and providing a clear understanding of what will happen. However, there may be a more appropriate action to take first.

D. Ask the child what he knows about the procedure.

This is the correct answer. Asking the child what they already know about the procedure allows the nurse to assess their understanding and address any misconceptions or concerns they may have. It also helps the nurse tailor their explanation to the child's level of understanding and provide information that is relevant and meaningful to them.

A. "I will use powders & lotion on his skin around the harness clasps."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Powders and lotions should generally be avoided around the harness clasps because they can interfere with the proper fit of the harness and cause irritation or discomfort to the baby's skin.

B. “I will remove the harness daily, prior to giving the bath.”

This statement is incorrect. The Pavlik harness is typically not removed for bathing, as it needs to be worn continuously to maintain proper positioning of the hips and promote optimal healing. Removing the harness daily for bathing can disrupt the treatment process and delay progress.

C. "I will adjust the harness straps every day."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding. The harness should not be adjusted daily without guidance from the healthcare provider. The straps of the Pavlik harness are initially adjusted by the healthcare provider to ensure proper fit, and they should remain in place without frequent adjustments to maintain stability and effectiveness.

D. "I will check my baby's skin under the straps frequently."

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. It is essential for the mother to regularly check her baby's skin under the harness straps for any signs of irritation, redness, or pressure sores. Monitoring the skin closely allows for early detection of any issues that may arise from wearing the harness.