A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old child who starts to cry when his parents leave. The nurse should make which of the following statements to the parents?

A. Give the toddler a hard-tipped sippy cup to drink liquid:

Giving a toddler a hard-tipped sippy cup with a hard spout can increase the risk of injury, especially if the toddler falls while using it. Toddlers at this age are still developing coordination and may not have the motor skills to handle a hard-tipped cup safely. Therefore, this choice would not be appropriate and could potentially harm the toddler.

B. Suction the toddler nose and mouth every hour:

Frequent suctioning of the nose and mouth every hour can cause irritation and discomfort to the toddler. While suctioning may be necessary in certain medical situations, such as clearing mucus or secretions, it should not be done routinely every hour without a specific medical indication. Overuse of suctioning can damage the delicate tissues in the nose and mouth and disrupt the normal mucous membranes.

C. Maintain elbow restraint:

Maintaining elbow restraint is not a standard intervention for a toddler who is 24 hours post-intervention unless there is a specific medical reason for it, such as preventing the toddler from accessing an IV site or medical device. Restraining a toddler's elbows without a clear medical indication can be distressing for the child and may impede their ability to move and explore their environment, which is important for their development.

D. Provide soft foods for the toddler:

Providing soft foods for the toddler is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. Soft foods are easier for toddlers to chew and swallow, reducing the risk of choking or discomfort, especially if the toddler has undergone certain interventions that may affect their ability to eat solid foods comfortably. Soft foods can include mashed fruits and vegetables, cooked grains, pureed meats, and other easily digestible options suitable for a toddler's age and developmental stage.

A. Drink eight glasses of fluid daily: This is crucial advice for patients with sickle cell anemia, as adequate hydration helps prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduces the risk of vaso-occlusive crises. Therefore, this precaution is appropriate and should be included in discharge teaching.

B. Maintain an updated Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization: While vaccination is essential for overall health, maintaining Hib immunization is not directly related to sickle cell anemia or vaso-occlusive crises. However, it's still important for the child's general well-being and should be addressed but may not be the priority in discharge teaching for sickle cell anemia.

C. Avoid playground activities at school: Children with sickle cell anemia are at risk of vaso-occlusive crises triggered by dehydration, fatigue, or extreme physical exertion. While playground activities can be strenuous, completely avoiding them may not be necessary. Instead, the child should be educated on the importance of staying hydrated, taking breaks when needed, and avoiding excessive physical strain.

D. Assume postural drainage positions every 6 hours: Postural drainage is not typically indicated for sickle cell anemia or vaso-occlusive crises unless there are specific respiratory complications. This precaution is not relevant to the management of sickle cell anemia and should not be included in discharge teaching for this condition.