Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which intervention should a nurse include in the care plan for a preschooler scheduled for surgery due to Wilms' tumor?

1. Avoid palpating the abdomen when bathing the child

2. Refrain from auscultating the child's bowel sounds

3. Encourage the child to play with other children prior to surgery

4. Explain to the child that their pain will be managed after surgery

The correct answer is: Avoid palpating the abdomen when bathing the child

In the context of caring for a preschooler scheduled for surgery due to Wilms' tumor, the focus of the correct intervention revolves around protecting the integrity of the child's abdomen. Wilms' tumor is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children and is typically characterized by the presence of a mass on the kidney. Careful handling is essential because palpating the abdomen can potentially disturb the tumor, leading to the risk of rupture or other complications. Therefore, avoiding palpation during activities such as bathing is a crucial nursing intervention. This helps ensure that the tumor remains undisturbed and minimizes the risk of any adverse outcomes prior to surgery. Other interventions, while well-intentioned and important for general pediatric care, do not directly address the immediate concern of managing the Wilms' tumor safely. For instance, auscultating bowel sounds remains a standard practice and is necessary for assessing gastrointestinal function, and assisting in preoperative play can be helpful but does not directly protect the child's abdominal area. Additionally, while explaining pain management is an important aspect of preoperative education, it does not focus on the immediate physical protection needed for the child with a Wilms' tumor. Thus, prioritizing the avoidance of abdominal palpation aligns with safety protocols specific to the