A nurse working on an outpatient surgical unit is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a preschooler following placement of tympanoplasty tubes. The parent asks the nurse, "What should I do if the tubes fall out?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Obtain a daily weight:

This is an appropriate action. Monitoring daily weights can help assess fluid balance and detect fluid retention, which is common in children with kidney disorders like acute glomerulonephritis. Sudden weight gain or fluid overload may indicate worsening kidney function and the need for intervention.

B. Strain the urine:

Straining the urine may be indicated to monitor for the presence of blood or protein, which are common findings in acute glomerulonephritis. Straining the urine is not necessary, as hematuria is a common finding and does not indicate kidney damage.

C. Monitor blood glucose level every 4 hr:

Monitoring blood glucose levels every 4 hours is not directly related to the care of a child with acute glomerulonephritis. Blood glucose monitoring is more relevant in conditions such as diabetes mellitus. However, monitoring electrolyte levels, including blood glucose, may be part of routine laboratory testing in children with kidney disorders.

D. Recommend strict bed rest:

Strict bed rest is not typically recommended for children with acute glomerulonephritis unless there are specific complications or severe symptoms requiring immobilization. While some activity restriction may be recommended during the acute phase of the illness, strict bed rest may lead to complications such as deconditioning and venous thromboembolism.

A. Preschoolers believe their illness is punishment for their misbehavior:This statement is true. Preschool-aged children often have a limited understanding of illness and may associate it with punishment. They might think that their illness is a consequence of something they did wrong. As a nurse, it’s essential to address these misconceptions and provide age-appropriate explanations to help them understand their condition better.

B. Preschoolers are interested in what happens to the body after death: Preschoolers may have curiosity about death and what happens afterward, but their understanding is typically limited. They may ask simple questions about death and may need age-appropriate explanations about the concept. Providing information in a sensitive and honest manner can help address their curiosity and alleviate fears.

C. Adolescents worry more about death than the physical changes that can occur as a result of the illness: Adolescents facing terminal illness may have complex emotions and concerns about both death and the physical changes associated with their illness. It's important to acknowledge and address both aspects of their experience, providing opportunities for adolescents to express their feelings and concerns in a supportive environment.

D. Toddlers personify death as being a type of monster: Toddlers often have limited understanding of death and may personify it in different ways, including as a monster or some other abstract concept. It's essential for guardians to provide comfort and reassurance to toddlers who may experience fear or confusion about death. Providing simple and concrete explanations about death, tailored to their developmental level, can help alleviate anxiety.