Final answer:
Before ambulation, the most effective nursing action is administering the prescribed pain medication to the child who underwent an abdominal appendectomy. so, opption A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the post-operative care of a school-aged child who has had an abdominal appendectomy. The nurse's role is crucial in preparing the patient for ambulation following the operation. One of the key aspects to facilitate an effective and comfortable ambulation experience for the patient is by administering the prescribed pain medication before the patient begins to walk. Pain management is pivotal as it helps in reducing discomfort, enabling the patient to move more freely, which is essential for recovery.
While providing a rest period may be beneficial, administering pain relief is typically more immediately impactful for ambulation. Offering rewards for walking (incentive) or encouraging the use of the spirometer might be helpful supporting strategies but are not as directly impactful to the act of ambulation as pain management. During the recovery and care of the patient, it's important that the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional work together to review and address key concerns, with pain control being one of such concerns.