A charge nurse is assisting a newly licensed nurse with the preoperative assessment of a 2-year-old child who has a Wilms' tumor. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the needed care?

A. "Gently put the tubes back into the child's ears": This is not the correct response. Tympanoplasty tubes are not meant to be reinserted if they fall out. Attempting to reinsert them without proper medical training could cause injury or damage to the child's ears. Therefore, this response should be avoided.

B. "Bring the child to the emergency department immediately": While it's important for the parent to seek medical attention if the tubes fall out, it may not always necessitate a visit to the emergency department, especially if the child is not experiencing any other symptoms. This response might cause unnecessary panic for the parent and may not be the most appropriate course of action.

C. "Notify the provider that the tubes have fallen out": This is the correct response. If the tympanoplasty tubes fall out, the parent should notify the healthcare provider who performed the procedure. The provider can then assess the situation and determine the next steps, which may include scheduling a follow-up appointment to evaluate the child's ears.

D. "The tubes are sutured in place and must be surgically removed": This is incorrect. Tympanoplasty tubes are not sutured in place; they are typically designed to fall out on their own after a certain period of time. Additionally, removal of tympanoplasty tubes usually does not require another surgical procedure.

A. "Avoid immunizing your child with the meningococcal vaccine."

This statement is incorrect. Children with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk of infections, including meningococcal disease. Immunization with the meningococcal vaccine is recommended to help prevent this serious infection.

B. "Restrict the time your child spends playing outdoors."

While it's important for children with sickle cell anemia to avoid extreme temperatures and stay hydrated to prevent triggering a vaso-occlusive crisis, completely restricting outdoor playtime may not be necessary. It's essential to encourage appropriate hydration and dress warmly in cold weather but allowing outdoor play in moderation can be beneficial for physical activity and socialization.

C. "Increase your child's intake of oral fluids."

This is a correct statement. Adequate hydration is crucial for children with sickle cell anemia to help prevent vaso-occlusive crises and maintain overall health. Increasing oral fluid intake, particularly water, can help prevent dehydration and promote circulation of sickle-shaped red blood cells.

D. "Provide your child with a high-protein diet."

This is also a correct statement. A diet rich in high-quality protein can help support healthy growth and development in children with sickle cell anemia. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, including red blood cells. However, it's essential to ensure a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, not just protein.