A nurse is caring for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele and is admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) to await surgery. Which of the following nursing goals is priority in the care of this infant?

A. Allow the child to see and touch IV tubing and supplies.

Allowing the child to see and touch the IV tubing and supplies can help familiarize them with the equipment and reduce anxiety. However, there may be a more appropriate action to take first.

B. Explain to the child's parents what role they will have during the procedure.

While it's important to involve the child's parents and inform them of their role during the procedure, the priority should be to prepare the child for the insertion itself.

C. Describe the procedure using visual aids.

Using visual aids can be helpful in explaining the procedure to the child and providing a clear understanding of what will happen. However, there may be a more appropriate action to take first.

D. Ask the child what he knows about the procedure.

This is the correct answer. Asking the child what they already know about the procedure allows the nurse to assess their understanding and address any misconceptions or concerns they may have. It also helps the nurse tailor their explanation to the child's level of understanding and provide information that is relevant and meaningful to them.

A. Onlooker play:

Onlooker play is when a child observes others playing without actively participating themselves. This type of play typically involves watching others engage in activities or play without joining in. It does not directly involve role-playing or hands-on activities to prepare a child for surgery.

B. Therapeutic play:

This is the correct answer. Therapeutic play involves using play activities to help children express their feelings, fears, and concerns about medical procedures or hospitalization. It often includes role-playing and hands-on activities such as practicing medical procedures on dolls or stuffed animals. Therapeutic play helps children become familiar with medical equipment and procedures in a non-threatening environment, reducing anxiety and promoting coping skills.

C. Cooperative play:

Cooperative play involves children playing together, interacting, and collaborating in shared activities. While cooperative play can be beneficial for social development, it does not necessarily involve role-playing or hands-on activities specific to preparing a child for surgery.

D. Play therapy:

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help children express their thoughts and emotions. While play therapy can be therapeutic for children dealing with various issues, including medical procedures, it is typically facilitated by a trained therapist rather than being directly utilized to prepare a child for surgery through role-playing or hands-on activities.