What should the nurse do to facilitate visualization of a child's throat during an examination?

To effectively visualize a child's throat during an examination, it's essential to maintain a balance of cooperation and safety. Guiding the tongue blade while the child is holding it allows the nurse to support the child in a way that encourages participation in the process. This method fosters a sense of control and involvement, which can help reduce anxiety and make the examination less intimidating for the child.

By having the child hold the tongue blade, it can also promote their engagement and comfort levels. This approach is particularly important in pediatric care, where children can be sensitive to the dynamics of medical examinations. Additionally, the nurse can use their expertise to ensure that the tongue blade is positioned correctly for optimal visualization, while the child feels empowered rather than restrained.

In contrast, other options may not facilitate a child-friendly environment. For example, removing the tongue blade from the child’s hands or asking them to hold it in their lap does not make use of their ability to cooperate in the examination. Having a parent physically restrain the child may cause increased anxiety and fear, leading to resistance rather than cooperation. Maintaining a gentle, collaborative approach as described in the correct answer fosters a more positive experience for the child during the examination.