A 4-year-old child is admitted to the pediatric unit for a minor surgical procedure. The child believes that the surgery is a punishment for being "bad." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate to address the child's magical thinking?

A. While this response reassures the child that they are good, it does not directly address the magical thinking that surgery is a punishment. B. Telling the child not to think a certain way dismisses their feelings and does not validate their emotions. C. This response acknowledges the child's feelings (validating their emotional response) and corrects the misconception by explaining that surgery is for their health, not punishment. D. Offering toys may distract the child, but it does not help address the root of their fear and magical thinking.