A nurse is caring for a toddler who had a cleft lip and palate repair and is trying to touch the incision site. Which of the following provider prescriptions is recommended for the toddler?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Obtain a prescription for lorazepam: Sedation may be used in some cases, but routinely sedating a toddler post-cleft lip and palate repair is not the first-line intervention to prevent incision site trauma. B. Place the toddler in bilateral elbow restraints: Elbow restraints are commonly used to prevent toddlers from touching or injuring the surgical site after cleft lip and palate repair, protecting the incision during healing. C. Place the child in a mummy restraint: Mummy restraints restrict the entire body and can increase distress and anxiety; they are generally avoided unless absolutely necessary. D. Swaddle the toddler in a blanket: Swaddling can provide comfort and limit movement, but it is less effective than elbow restraints at specifically preventing the child from touching the incision site.