A nurse is preparing a 4-year-old child for a tonsillectomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Assessing vital signs every 4 hours is important, but it is not specific to the care of an infant post-cardiac catheterization. Vital signs should be monitored according to the infant's condition and hospital policy.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the color of the affected extremity is crucial after cardiac catheterization to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could indicate a vascular injury or thrombosis at the catheterization site.

Choice C reason: Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status for 8 hours may be necessary before the procedure, but post-catheterization care typically includes gradual reintroduction of fluids and then food as tolerated.

Choice D reason: Keeping the affected extremity flexed is not recommended post-cardiac catheterization. The limb should be kept straight to avoid bending at the catheterization site, which could lead to bleeding or clot formation.

Choice A reason: The concrete operational phase typically begins around age 7 and is characterized by the development of logical thought about concrete events. This phase is not typical for preschoolers, who are usually between the ages of 3 and 5.

Choice B reason: The formal operational phase usually starts at age 11 or older. It involves abstract thinking and the ability to systematically plan for the future, which is beyond the cognitive abilities of a preschooler.

Choice C reason: The preoperational phase occurs from ages 2 to 7. During this stage, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they do not yet understand concrete logic.

Choice D reason: The sensorimotor phase is from birth to about age 2. During this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and actions, such as looking and touching. Preschoolers have typically moved beyond this phase.