A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

A. Loss of central vision: While loss of central vision can occur with various eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, it is not specific to cataracts. Cataracts typically cause clouding of the lens, leading to blurred or dimmed vision rather than loss of central vision.
B. Increased intraocular pressure: Increased intraocular pressure is characteristic of conditions such as glaucoma, not cataracts. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens rather than elevated pressure within the eye.
C. Decrease in peripheral vision: Decreased peripheral vision is associated with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or glaucoma but is not a typical finding in cataracts. Cataracts primarily affect visual acuity and clarity rather than peripheral vision.
D. A bluish-white colored pupil: A bluish-white appearance of the pupil, known as leukocoria or a white pupil reflex, can be indicative of cataracts. It occurs due to light scattering by the cloudy lens of the eye, resulting in an abnormal reflection from the pupil. This finding is characteristic of cataracts and warrants further evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

A. Establish a new routine for the child to follow while in the facility. - Preschoolers thrive on routines and familiarity, especially in unfamiliar environments like acute care facilities. Therefore, it's essential for the nurse to maintain the child's existing routine as much as possible to provide a sense of security and stability.
B. Encourage the child to play with toys such as a pounding board. - Encouraging play with age-appropriate toys helps promote normalcy, reduce anxiety, and facilitate coping for preschoolers during their hospital stay. Toys like a pounding board provide opportunities for physical activity and engagement, which can help distract and entertain the child.
C. Use medical terminology when discussing procedures with the child. - Preschoolers have limited understanding of complex medical terminology. Using simple, age-appropriate language helps the child better comprehend what is happening, reducing fear and anxiety. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to avoid medical jargon and use language the child can understand.
D. Perform the morning assessments when the parent is not in the room. - Preschoolers often feel more comfortable and secure when their parents are present, especially in unfamiliar environments like hospitals. Performing assessments in the presence of the parent helps maintain the child's sense of security and allows the parent to participate in the child's care and provide comfort and support.