What nutritional component should be altered in the infant with ...

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What nutritional component should be altered in the infant with heart failure (HF)?
 
  a. Decrease in fats
  b. Increase in fluids
  c. Decrease in protein
  d. Increase in calories

Question 2

The parents of a young child with heart failure (HF) tell the nurse that they are nervous about giving digoxin. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge?
 
  a. It is a safe, frequently used drug.
  b. Parents lack the expertise necessary to administer digoxin.
  c. It is difficult to either overmedicate or undermedicate with digoxin.
  d. Parents need to learn specific, important guidelines for administration of digoxin.

[tsternbergh47]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Infants with HF have a greater metabolic rate because of poor cardiac function and increased heart and respiratory rates. Their caloric needs are greater than those of average infants, yet their ability to take in calories is diminished by their fatigue. The diet should include increased protein and increased fat to facilitate the child's intake of sufficient calories. Fluids must be carefully monitored because of the HF.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range. The margin of safety between therapeutic, toxic, and lethal doses is very small. Specific guidelines are available for parents to learn how to administer the drug safely and to monitor for side effects. Parents may lack the expertise to administer the drug at first, but with discharge preparation, they should be prepared to administer the drug safely.

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Thank you

[tsternbergh47]

Happy to help you