A nurse is planning care for a 4-year-old child who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following activities should the nurse plan for the child?

Choice A: This instruction is correct, as iron supplements can cause a change in the color and consistency of stools, making them dark, green, or black. This is not a sign of bleeding or infection, but a normal side effect of iron therapy. The parents should be informed of this possibility and reassured that it is harmless.

Choice B: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at bedtime, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.

Choice C: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be given with milk, as milk contains calcium, which can interfere with iron absorption and reduce its effectiveness. The parents should be instructed to avoid giving milk or other dairy products within two hours of the medication.

Choice D: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at mealtimes, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.

Choice A:In actual practice, log rolling is typically done every 2 hoursto align with standard nursing protocols for preventing complications such as pressure injuries, maintaining skin integrity, and ensuring patient comfort. Repositioning every 2 hours also helps promote better circulation and reduces the risk of complications like pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
as a unit without twisting or bending the spine. The nurse should use a draw sheet and at least two other staff
members to assist with log rolling.

Choice B: This intervention is incorrect, as keeping the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle can cause flexion of the spine and compromise spinal alignment. The head of the bed should be kept flat or slightly elevated, depending on the provider's orders and the client's comfort. The nurse should avoid raising or lowering the head of the bed without checking with the provider first.

Choice C: This intervention is unnecessary, as placing the client in protective isolation is not indicated for a client who is postoperative following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. Protective isolation is used for clients who have compromised immune systems and are at high risk of acquiring infections from others, such as transplant recipients, cancer patients, or patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The nurse should follow standard precautions and surgical site care to prevent infection in this client.

Choice D: This intervention is optional, as initiating the use of a PCA pump for pain control may or may not be appropriate for a client who is postoperative following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. A PCA pump is a device that allows the client to self-administer a preset dose of analgesic medication by pressing a button. A PCA pump can provide effective and individualized pain relief, but it requires careful monitoring and education. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, preference, and ability to use a PCA pump and consult with the provider before initiating it.