A nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions with a parent of a 6-year-old child who has just had a tonsillectomy. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of postoperative care?

A. "My parents treat me like a baby sometimes." This statement reflects a common adolescent feeling of striving for independence and experiencing frustration when treated as a child. It is a normal part of adolescent development and not a cause for immediate concern.

B. "There's a pimple on my face, and I worry that everyone will notice it." Concern about appearance is typical for adolescents due to the increased focus on body image and peer perception. This statement is a normal expression of adolescent self-consciousness.

C. ``I start taking ibuprofen a few days before my period starts." Using ibuprofen preemptively for menstrual cramps is a reasonable self-care practice for adolescents experiencing menstrual discomfort. This statement does not indicate any immediate health concern.

D. "None of the kids at my school like me, and I don't like them either." This statement indicates social isolation and potential issues with peer relationships, which can be a red flag for emotional distress or depression. It may suggest that the adolescent is experiencing significant difficulties in their social life that could lead to more serious mental health concerns.

A. Keep the client's leg in a dependent position. Keeping the leg in a dependent position can increase swelling and delay healing. The leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

B. Use a hair dryer on a hot setting to dry the cast. Using a hair dryer on a hot setting can cause burns and does not effectively dry a plaster cast. Plaster casts take time to dry and should be air-dried naturally.

C. Discourage the client from ambulating: Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications like muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, as long as it is safe and the healthcare provider has approved it. Completely discouraging ambulation is not generally recommended unless specified by a doctor.

D. Perform a neurovascular check of the lower extremities. Neurovascular checks are essential to ensure that there is adequate blood flow and nerve function below the cast. This includes checking for pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, and paralysis (the 5 P’s). This helps detect complications like compartment syndrome or decreased circulation early.