Final answer:
The most critical action for a nurse to take before a preschooler undergoes hydrotherapy for wound debridement following a burn injury is to administer prescribed pain medication to ensure the child's comfort during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to hydrotherapy for wound debridement following a burn injury, specifically in the case of a preschooler, the nurse should prioritize patient comfort and safety to prepare for the procedure. One important step in this preparation is administering prescribed pain medication, as hydrotherapy can be a painful process due to the sensitivity of the burn wound site. Administering pain medication beforehand ensures the child experiences less discomfort during the treatment. While applying a topical antibiotic ointment is often necessary in the overall treatment of burn wounds, it is not typically applied immediately before hydrotherapy, since the procedure itself aims to cleanse the wound and remove dead tissue.
Regarding nourishment, a high-protein meal could be beneficial for overall wound healing, but it is not a specific action required right before hydrotherapy. Ensuring the child has an empty bladder before the procedure is a practical consideration to prevent discomfort or the need for a bathroom break during the process. However, the most critical action for the nurse to take before hydrotherapy is to ensure appropriate analgesia is provided, aligning with the focus on reducing patient distress.
Handwashing and ensuring that all healthcare providers involved perform proper sanitary practices is essential, but this is a continuous expectation and not a one-time action prior to a specific procedure. When considering supportive measures like rehydration, this is not directly related to the immediate preparation for hydrotherapy but is part of general patient care.