A 14-year-old girl has returned to the nursing unit after undergoing an appendectomy. To help relieve pain and facilitate drainage, the nurse should place her in what position?

Choice A reason: Mild abdominal pain is not an urgent finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is expected that the child may have some discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with analgesics and comfort measures. Mild abdominal pain does not indicate a recurrence or complication of intussusception.

Choice B reason: Currant jelly stools are a serious finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. They are a sign of bowel ischemia and necrosis, which can lead to perforation and peritonitis. Currant jelly stools are stools mixed with blood and mucus, which have a red or purple color and a jelly-like consistency. They are caused by the pressure of the intussuscepted bowel segment on the blood vessels, resulting in bleeding and inflammation. Currant jelly stools indicate that the intussusception has not been completely reduced or has recurred, and require immediate medical attention.

Choice C reason: Axillary temperature of 37.3°C is not an alarming finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is within the normal range for an axillary temperature, which is usually lower than the oral or rectal temperature. A slight elevation of temperature may also be due to the stress of the procedure or a mild infection, which can be treated with antibiotics and fluids. Axillary temperature of 37.3°C does not suggest a serious complication of intussusception.

Choice D reason: BP of 100/54 is not a worrisome finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is within the normal range for a 10-month-old child, which is about 90/60 mmHg. A slight variation of blood pressure may also be influenced by factors such as activity, emotion, pain, or medication. BP of 100/54 does not indicate a problem with the child's circulation or cardiac function.

Choice A reason: Giving the toddler planned, frequent, and nutritious snacks is a good way to meet her nutritional needs and respect her natural appetite. Toddlers have small stomachs and high energy levels, so they may not eat much at one sitting. They may also be easily distracted or bored by sitting at the table for too long. Snacks can provide additional calories and nutrients that they may miss at mealtimes. However, the snacks should be healthy, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers. They should also be offered at regular times, not on demand, and not too close to mealtimes.

Choice B reason: Explaining to the toddler in a firm manner what is expected of her is not a helpful or realistic strategy to improve her eating habits. Toddlers are naturally curious and independent, and they may not understand or follow the rules that adults set for them. They may also resist or rebel against pressure or coercion to eat. Instead of lecturing or scolding the toddler, the parents should model good eating behaviors, praise her when she tries new foods, and avoid power struggles or arguments over food.

Choice C reason: Avoiding snacks so the toddler is hungry at mealtimes is not a wise or healthy suggestion. This may backfire and cause the toddler to become more fussy, irritable, or tired. It may also lead to overeating, bingeing, or unhealthy food choices later on. Hunger is not the only factor that influences a toddler's appetite. Other factors include mood, activity level, environment, and preferences. The parents should not use hunger as a tool to manipulate the toddler's eating, but rather respect her hunger and fullness cues.

Choice D reason: Offering rewards for eating at mealtimes is not a beneficial or sustainable method to encourage the toddler to eat. Rewards may be material, such as toys or stickers, or edible, such as sweets or desserts. Rewards may work temporarily, but they may also have negative consequences. They may undermine the toddler's intrinsic motivation to eat, or make her associate eating with external rewards rather than internal satisfaction. They may also create an imbalance in the value of different foods, or make the toddler feel guilty or deprived. The parents should not bribe or bargain with the toddler to eat, but rather make eating a pleasant and enjoyable experience.