Final answer:
To reduce anxiety in a hospitalized child, the nurse should maintain a routine, explain the expected outcomes, and involve the parents.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help reduce anxiety in a 3-year-old child who is hospitalized for a cardiac procedure, the nurse should consider keeping the daily routine as close to the usual home routine as possible. This can provide a sense of familiarity and security for the child during their hospital stay. Additionally, the nurse should discuss the expected outcomes of the hospitalization with the child, using simple and age-appropriate language to help them understand what will happen. Lastly, it is important to involve the child's parents and allow them to stay with the child during their hospitalization, as their presence can provide comfort and reassurance to the child.