A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 6-month-old infant following a surgical procedure to repair a hypospadias. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "What is your pain level right now?": This response doesn't directly address the child's question about mortality and may deflect the conversation away from the child's concerns. While assessing pain is important, it should not be the immediate response to a question about mortality.

B. "Your doctor will be able to answer your questions tomorrow.": This response delays addressing the child's concerns and may leave the child feeling anxious or unsupported in the meantime. It's important for the nurse to provide immediate support and reassurance when a child expresses fears or worries.

C. "It sounds like you are worried. Tell me what you have been told.": This response acknowledges the child's emotions and invites them to share their thoughts and concerns. It opens up a dialogue between the nurse and the child, allowing the nurse to provide appropriate support and information based on the child's understanding and perspective.

D. "It's natural to worry about death, but you should focus your energy on getting better.": While this response acknowledges the child's worry, it may come across as dismissive or minimizing of the child's concerns about mortality. It's important to validate the child's emotions and offer support rather than redirecting their focus away from their worries.

A. "Apply a dry gauze dressing twice per day."

This instruction may not be necessary for a hypospadias repair procedure. Typically, the surgical site will have a dressing applied immediately after the surgery, but ongoing dressing changes may not be required once the infant is discharged. It's essential to follow the specific postoperative care plan provided by the healthcare provider.

B. "Perform hourly measurements of the infant's urinary output."

Hourly measurements of urinary output may not be necessary unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider due to concerns such as urinary retention or dehydration. However, regular monitoring of urinary output as part of routine care may be appropriate.

C. "Offer the infant 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily."

Offering 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily to a 6-month-old infant is not recommended. Introduction of fruit juice should be gradual and in small amounts, following guidance from healthcare providers and infant nutrition guidelines. Excessive fruit juice consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be suitable for all infants.

D. "Avoid giving the infant a tub bath until the stent is removed."

This instruction is appropriate. After hypospadias repair surgery, a stent or catheter may be placed to aid in healing and ensure proper urine drainage. It's essential to follow healthcare provider instructions regarding bathing and hygiene to minimize the risk of infection and to ensure the stent remains in place until it is ready to be removed.