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. "I will restrict the amount of salt in my child's meals."

Restricting salt intake is not typically recommended for children with cystic fibrosis (CF). In fact, individuals with CF often have increased salt requirements due to excessive salt loss through sweat. Restricting salt intake could potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of the dietary management necessary for CF.

B. "I will put my child in daycare to ensure that she socializes with other children."

While socialization is important for a child's development, placing a child with CF in daycare may increase their risk of exposure to respiratory infections, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with CF due to their compromised respiratory function. Therefore, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of the infection control measures necessary for managing CF.

C. "I will make sure my child washes her hands before eating.”

This statement demonstrates an understanding of infection control measures, which are crucial for individuals with CF to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Washing hands before eating helps prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory infections. Therefore, this statement indicates an understanding of an important aspect of managing CF.

D. “I will provide low-fat meals for my child."

Providing low-fat meals is not typically recommended for children with CF. CF often leads to malabsorption of fats, so a diet high in calories and fat is typically recommended to ensure adequate nutrition and weight gain. Therefore, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of the dietary recommendations necessary for managing CF.

Correct answer: C

After a cleft‑palate repair, protecting the fresh suture line is paramount. Elbow restraintsare routinely used for the first 7–10 days postoperatively to prevent the toddler from putting fingers or objects into the mouth and disrupting the repair.