Which education would the nurse provide the parents of a 4-year-old child with a new colostomy?

Encouraging physical activity is an essential aspect of care for a child with a new colostomy. This recommendation promotes the child’s overall health, aids in their psychological adjustment, and helps them maintain a sense of normalcy in life. Physical activity is important for children, as it supports their physical development and encourages social interactions with peers, which is crucial at this developmental stage.

Incorporating regular physical activity can also assist with bowel function and contribute to overall well-being. While certain adjustments may be needed to ensure the child's safety during activities (such as protecting the stoma area), encouraging an active lifestyle is beneficial for a child’s physical and emotional health post-operatively.

The other options involve restrictions or specific precautions that may not foster a healthy adjustment period. For instance, restricting fluid intake or instituting dietary restrictions without proper guidance can adversely affect the child's health and growth. Regular stoma inspection is important, but limiting the focus on this aspect alone does not promote the child's engagement in a larger, holistic recovery and lifestyle adjustment process.