An infant is discharged after open heart surgery. The infant is ...

[Caiter2013]

An infant is discharged after open heart surgery. The infant is going home on oxygen and with multiple medications. Which instruction by the nurse is the priority?
 
  A.
  Be sure to keep all postoperative appointments.
  B.
  Do not allow anyone to pick up or hold the baby.
  C.
  If your baby is irritable, check oxygen saturation.
  D.
  Monitor the incision for redness or warmth.

Question 2

Which information about exercise should the nurse give the parents of a child with heart failure?
 
  A.
  Encourage activity on the days when your child feels well.
  B.
  Exercise is not allowed in children who have heart failure.
  C.
  Physical activity often makes heart failure worse in children.
  D.
  Your child will not be able to participate in contact sports.

[vickyvicksss]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A child going home on oxygen will have an oximeter. This child's parents need to be educated on signs of heart failure (including decreased oxygenation), including irritability in a small child. They should be told to check the oxygen saturation when irritability is seen. Keeping appointments and monitoring a surgical incision are appropriate instructions for any postoperative patient. The baby can be picked up and held but must be cradled and not picked up under the arms until the sternum has healed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Physical activity is beneficial to patients with heart failure, as it can strengthen the heart muscle, possibly preventing or reducing further exacerbations. However, when the child is not feeling well, he or she should not be pushed into vigorous activity. Even walking can be helpful. Without exercise, the symptoms will worsen. Too rigorous an activity may make symptoms worse. Participating in contact sports will probably not be allowed, but this information is too narrow in scope to be the best answer.

[Caiter2013]

TYSM

[recede]

Excellent