What assessment should a nurse perform to confirm the presence of peripheral edema in a school-age child?

Palpating the dorsum of the child's feet is an effective way to assess for peripheral edema because it directly evaluates the presence of excess fluid in the lower extremities. When the dorsum of the feet is palpated, the nurse checks for any swelling or indentation that persists after pressure is applied. This method allows for a hands-on assessment that can reveal localized fluid retention typical in cases of peripheral edema.

Other options may not provide a direct assessment of peripheral edema. Weighing the child daily can help monitor fluid status but does not specifically confirm edema at that moment. Assessing skin turgor evaluates hydration status rather than fluid accumulation in the tissues. Observing for periorbital swelling focuses on edema around the eyes, which could indicate a different issue rather than general peripheral edema. Therefore, palpating the feet provides the most accurate assessment for confirming peripheral edema in a school-age child.