A nurse is providing dietary teaching to the guardian of a preschooler who has celiac disease. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend including in the preschooler's diet?

A. Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy: This procedure falls within the RN's scope of practice, as it involves basic tracheostomy care and maintenance, which nurses commonly perform.
B. Administering a platelet transfusion: Administering blood and blood products, including platelet transfusions, is within the RN's scope of practice, provided the nurse has appropriate training and competency.
C. Irrigation of an external ear canal: Irrigation of an external ear canal is a routine nursing procedure that falls within the RN's scope of practice, as long as it does not involve invasive procedures beyond irrigation.
D. Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter: Inserting tunneled central venous catheters is typically performed by advanced practice nurses or physicians with specific training and certification, such as nurse practitioners or interventional radiologists. This procedure is beyond the scope of practice for RNs and requires specialized skills and knowledge.

A. Lift the traction weights when repositioning the child in bed.

This action should not be included in the plan of care because lifting the traction weights can interfere with the traction's effectiveness and potentially cause harm or injury to the child. The weights are specifically calibrated to provide the necessary tension for the traction to stabilize the fracture site.

B. Have the child rate their level of pain every 8 hours.

While pain assessment is an essential component of nursing care, the frequency of every 8 hours may not be sufficient, especially for a child in skeletal traction. Pain management should be more frequent and individualized based on the child's needs, which may vary throughout the day.

C. Monitor the neurovascular status of the child's lower extremities every 12 hours.

Neurovascular assessment is crucial for patients in traction to detect any signs of compromised circulation or nerve function. However, every 12 hours may not be frequent enough to promptly identify changes in neurovascular status. More frequent assessments, such as every 1-2 hours initially and then gradually decreasing based on stability, are typically recommended.

D. Educate the child's guardians about pin site care prior to discharge.

This is the correct answer. Educating the child's guardians about pin site care is essential to prevent infection and other complications associated with skeletal traction. Proper care of the pin sites reduces the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis. Providing education prior to discharge ensures that the guardians are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for the child at home effectively.