Final answer:
The nurse should include encouraging parents to stay with the toddler in the plan of care; this aids in comfort and reducing the toddler's anxiety, fostering a more reassuring environment during the hospital stay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate plan of care for a toddler who is admitted to the pediatric unit for surgery should focus on creating a comfortable and reassuring environment. Option B, encouraging parents to stay with the toddler as much as possible, is typically recommended. The presence of parents can provide comfort and reduce anxiety for the child, helping to stabilize the toddler's emotional state. It is essential to maintain a routine that is as normal as possible, and this includes allowing for play within safe limits, which counters option D. It is also important to inform the toddler of procedures in a developmentally appropriate way to foster trust and reduce fear, which goes against option C. While allowing the toddler some freedom is important, option A must be balanced with the need for safety and monitoring, especially in a hospital setting.