A nurse is planning to administer an ophthalmic medication to a client. Which of the following actions will minimize systemic absorption of the medication?

A. Plan for a 30-min instructional session: Preschool-aged children have limited attention spans, generally lasting 5 to 10 minutes. A 30-minute session would likely be too long for effective learning and may increase anxiety rather than improve understanding. Short, focused sessions are more developmentally appropriate.

B. Schedule the instructional session for 24 to 36 hr before the procedure: Preschoolers benefit from teaching close to the time of the procedure, ideally within a few hours, because their sense of time is limited and they may forget information presented far in advance. Scheduling too early reduces comprehension and retention.

C. Take the child on a tour of the surgery and recovery areas: Tours can be overwhelming and frightening for preschoolers, who may not understand abstract concepts of procedures and recovery areas. Hands-on, play-based techniques are more effective than visual tours for this age group.

D. Help the child put a dressing on a doll: Using a doll for demonstration is a developmentally appropriate, play-based technique that allows preschoolers to role-play and understand the procedure in a concrete, safe manner. It reduces anxiety by familiarizing the child with what will happen to their own body through imitation and interactive learning.

A. "Many people have colostomies and they live full lives.": While this statement is reassuring, it is general and does not acknowledge the client’s personal feelings or offer a practical way to cope with body image concerns. It may feel dismissive rather than supportive.

B. "Would it help to speak with someone else who has a colostomy?": This response validates the client’s concerns and provides an opportunity for peer support. Speaking with someone who has firsthand experience can help the client adjust to body image changes, learn coping strategies, and feel less isolated.

C. "Why don't you want people to see the colostomy bag?": Asking "why" can feel judgmental or confrontational, potentially causing the client to become defensive. Open-ended supportive questions are more effective in exploring feelings without implying blame.

D. "You shouldn't worry, the colostomy is probably only temporary.": Minimizing the client’s concerns about the colostomy can invalidate their emotions. Even if temporary, the client’s feelings about body image and privacy are real and require acknowledgment and support.