A nurse is caring for a preschooler who has a gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Use barrier ointments around the site: Applying a barrier ointment around the gastrostomy tube site helps protect the skin from irritation, moisture, and breakdown caused by leakage of gastric contents. This is a recommended nursing intervention to maintain skin integrity in pediatric patients with gastrostomy tubes. B. Maintain tension between the tubing and the site: Maintaining tension between the tube and the site can cause trauma, pressure sores, and irritation at the insertion site. The tube should remain loose enough to prevent pulling or pressure on the surrounding skin while still secure. C. Place a transparent occlusive dressing over the site: Transparent occlusive dressings are not recommended for gastrostomy sites because they can trap moisture, promote skin maceration, and increase the risk of infection. A breathable, non-occlusive dressing is preferred if covering the site. D. Cleanse the tube site with hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. The gastrostomy site should be cleaned gently with mild soap and water or saline to reduce infection risk while preserving skin integrity.