The father of a hospitalized child tells the nurse, "He can't have meat. We are Buddhist and vegetarians." The nurse's best intervention is to:

Choice A reason: The child's current vital signs are not a reliable indicator of pain, as they may vary depending on the child's condition, medication, and stress level. Vital signs alone are not sufficient to assess pain in children.

Choice B reason: The child becoming quiet when held and cuddled may indicate that the child is comforted by the nurse's presence and touch, not that the child is in pain. In fact, some children may become more vocal and restless when they are in pain.

Choice C reason: The child having just returned from the recovery room does not necessarily mean that the child is in pain. The child may have received pain medication during or after the surgery, or the child may have a different pain threshold. The nurse should not assume that the child is in pain based on the procedure alone.

Choice D reason: The child lying rigidly in bed and not moving is a sign of pain in children, as they may try to avoid movement that could aggravate their pain. The child may also exhibit facial expressions, such as grimacing, frowning, or clenching their teeth, that indicate pain. The nurse should assess the child's pain level and administer pain medication as ordered.

Choice A reason: Having a decongestant available to give the child when an attack occurs is not a correct answer because decongestants are not recommended for children under 6 years old. They can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, irritability, and insomnia.

Choice B reason: Having the child sleep in a dry room is not a correct answer because dry air can worsen the inflammation and swelling of the airway. Moist air can help soothe the throat and reduce the coughing.

Choice C reason: Keeping the child's room humidified is the correct answer because humidified air can help loosen the mucus and ease the breathing. A cool-mist humidifier or a steamy bathroom can provide humidification.

Choice D reason: Giving the child an antibiotic at bedtime is not a correct answer because antibiotics are not effective for croup, which is usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics can also cause adverse reactions such as rash, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.