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. Determine if the toddler is voiding: Assessing urine output is crucial for determining the child’s hydration status. Voiding is an important indicator of kidney function and fluid balance. Ensuring the child is voiding can help determine the severity of dehydration and guide further interventions.

B. Request evaluation of the toddler's serum electrolytes. Evaluating serum electrolytes is important for understanding the extent of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. However, it is not the immediate first action and should follow the initial assessment of the child's hydration status.

C. Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride. Initiating fluid therapy is crucial but should only be done after assessing kidney function through urine output and evaluating the need for potassium supplementation to avoid complications like hyperkalaemia if the kidneys are not functioning properly.

D. Collect a stool sample from the toddler. Collecting a stool sample is useful for diagnosing the cause of gastroenteritis, but it is not the immediate priority. The focus should first be on assessing hydration status and initiating appropriate fluid therapy.

A. Maintain medical asepsis during dressing changes: While cleanliness is important, aseptic (sterile) technique is typically required for burn care to prevent infection.

B. Administer pain medication 30 min to 1 hour before physical therapy: Pain management is crucial to facilitate participation in physical therapy and improve outcomes.

C. Allow the child to set her own schedule for care: A structured schedule is necessary to ensure regular treatment and care for burns.

D. Provide low-calorie snacks: High-calorie, protein-rich foods are necessary to meet increased metabolic demands for healing.