A nurse is caring for a child who is 2 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following fluid items should the nurse offer the child at this time?

A. Cranberry juice: Red or brown liquids are contraindicated following a tonsillectomy. If the child vomits, the red color can be mistaken for fresh blood, making it difficult to assess for hemorrhage. Additionally, fruit juices can be acidic. B. Vanilla milkshake: Milk and dairy products coat the throat and thicken mucus. This causes the child to clear their throat or cough more frequently, which increases the pressure in the throat and raises the risk of bleeding (hemorrhage) at the surgical site. C. Orange juice: Citrus juices are highly acidic. They will sting and irritate the raw, operative site, causing pain and potentially deterring the child from drinking further fluids. D. Crushed ice: Following a tonsillectomy, clear, non-acidic liquids and soft, cold items are preferred. Crushed ice or ice pops provide hydration and the cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels (reducing bleeding risk) and numbs the area to relieve pain.