A 6-month-old boy weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. at birth. Understanding developmental milestones, what should the nurse caring for the child calculate his current weight as?

A. Apply warm, moist compresses to the neck area:

Warm, moist compresses are not typically used in the postoperative care of a tonsillectomy. Cold compresses or ice packs may be recommended to reduce swelling.

B. Observe for excessive swallowing:

Excessive swallowing may indicate bleeding, and close monitoring for any signs of bleeding is important.

C. Provide liquid acetaminophen with codeine as ordered:

Pain management is crucial postoperatively, and providing pain medication as ordered helps ensure the child's comfort.

D. Place the child in a partially prone position with the head turned to one side in the immediate post-operative period:

This position helps facilitate drainage and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, the specific positioning may vary based on the surgeon's preference.

E. Offer orange juice, lemonade, or milk to drink once awake and alert:

Citrus juices and milk are usually avoided in the immediate postoperative period to prevent irritation to the surgical site. Clear fluids or those recommended by the healthcare provider are typically introduced gradually.

A. Preventing spread of infection:

This is a priority because individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have a compromised immune system. Preventing the spread of infections is crucial to avoid additional complications and safeguard the individual's health.

B. Maintaining skin integrity:

Skin integrity is important for overall health, but in the context of AIDS, preventing infections and promoting immune function take precedence over maintaining skin integrity. Skin issues might be secondary to the immune system's compromised state.

C. Improving nutrition:

Good nutrition is important for overall health, including supporting the immune system. However, preventing the spread of infection is more immediate and critical in the case of someone with AIDS. Addressing nutritional needs can be part of the overall care plan but might be secondary to preventing infections.

D. Promoting comfort:

While promoting comfort is essential in nursing care, the priority in the case of a child with AIDS would be preventing the spread of infection due to the immunocompromised state. Comfort measures may be incorporated into the care plan, but they would not take precedence over preventing further health complications.