A nurse is creating a plan of care for a toddler who is recovering following a routine surgical procedure. Which of the following interventions should the include.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: A cooling blanket is typically used to manage hyperthermia in conditions like malignant hyperthermia, not routine postoperative recovery. It might cause the toddler to become too cold, leading to hypothermia or discomfort.

Choice B rationale: IV dantrolene sodium is administered for malignant hyperthermia, a rare but serious reaction to certain anesthesia medications. It is not appropriate for routine surgical recovery unless such a reaction is suspected or diagnosed.

Choice C rationale: Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing, helping to prevent postoperative respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. It is an effective tool to promote lung expansion and improve oxygenation in the recovering toddler.

Choice D rationale: Administering aspirin to a toddler is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious condition causing swelling in the liver and brain. Alternative pain management strategies should be utilized for pediatric patients.