What instructions should the nurse include in the post-operative discharge instructions for a 6-year-old who just had a tonsillectomy? (Select All That Apply)

Choice A rationale

An average daily intake of about 3,000 calories is too high for a toddler. The recommended caloric intake for a toddler varies depending on age, size, and activity level, but it is generally much lower than 3,000 calories.

Choice B rationale

“The quality of food I provide him is more important than the quantity.”. This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. It’s important to focus on providing nutrient-dense foods rather than just a large quantity of food.

Choice C rationale

Expecting an increased appetite in a toddler is not necessarily accurate. Toddlers often have variable appetites and may eat well one day and eat very little the next.

Choice D rationale

Giving a toddler an adult vitamin is not recommended. Toddlers have different nutritional needs than adults, and some vitamins and minerals can be harmful in large amounts. It’s better to focus on providing a balanced diet.

Choice A rationale

Dehydration in infants can be a serious medical concern if not addressed quickly. It can be caused by various factors such as vomiting or diarrhea, or if the baby is not nursing well. The most common signs of dehydration in babies include concentrated urine that looks very dark yellow or orange, constipation, dry lips, dry mouth, dry mucous membranes, excessive sleepiness, irritability, less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period, no interest in taking a bottle or breastfeeding, no tears when crying, paleness, sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on their head, and wrinkled skin. If the nurse observes these signs and symptoms in the infant, along

with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient is dehydrated during the shift.

Choice B rationale

If the infant shows signs of improvement such as increased urine output, normal skin turgor, moist mucous membranes, and the infant is alert and active, then the nurse might determine that the patient is improving as anticipated. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.

Choice C rationale

Fluid volume excess, also known as fluid overload, occurs when the body has too much water and electrolytes. Symptoms can include swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or abdomen, weight gain, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. If the nurse observes these symptoms in the infant, along with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient has fluid volume excess. However, given the information provided, this does not seem to be the most likely scenario.

Choice D rationale

If the infant’s vital signs are stable, the infant is alert and active, and there are no significant changes in the infant’s condition, the nurse might determine that the patient’s condition is stable. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.