The nurse is admitting a 10-year-old for surgery. What action should the nurse prioritize when caring for this child?

Choice A reason: Offering bathing assistance is supportive but less critical than family presence, which reduces stress for a 10-year-old facing surgery. Caregiver support addresses emotional needs, making this secondary and incorrect compared to prioritizing family involvement during the child’s hospital admission for surgery. Choice B reason: Answering pain questions is important but secondary to family presence, which provides ongoing comfort for a 10-year-old. Caregiver support is foundational for emotional stability, making this less urgent and incorrect compared to encouraging family to stay during the surgical admission. Choice C reason: Encouraging family caregivers to stay provides emotional security for a 10-year-old facing surgery, reducing anxiety and enhancing coping. This aligns with pediatric perioperative care principles, making it the prioritized action to support the child’s well-being during the hospital admission process. Choice D reason: Avoiding prolonged anxiety discussions prevents fixation but doesn’t address emotional needs like family presence, which offers continuous support. Caregiver presence is more impactful, making this less proactive and incorrect for the nurse’s priority in caring for the 10-year-old during surgery admission.