A child with asthma has the following medication ordered: Theophylline 4 mg/kg/dose every 6 hrs. The child weighs 4.69 kg. Calculate the appropriate dose.

A. Lethargy: Lethargy can be a concerning sign in a postoperative child, especially following a procedure involving the central nervous system like VP shunt insertion. It could indicate increased intracranial pressure or other neurological complications, which require immediate attention. Therefore, this is a priority finding.

B. Urine output 70 mL in 2 hr: While monitoring urine output is important for assessing hydration and renal function, a urine output of 70 mL in 2 hours may not be immediately concerning in a 4-year-old child. However, if this pattern continues or if there are signs of dehydration, it should be addressed. It's not as urgent as assessing for neurological changes.

C. Lying flat on the unaffected side: The positioning of the child, lying flat on the unaffected side, may or may not be concerning depending on the specific instructions provided postoperatively. While positioning can affect the function of the VP shunt, it may not necessarily indicate an immediate complication.

D. Respiratory rate 20/min: A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range for a 4-year-old child. While changes in respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress, this respiratory rate alone is not immediately concerning.

A. Restrain the toddler for 1 hr after the procedure:

This choice involves restraining the toddler for a period of time after the lumbar puncture procedure. However, restraining a toddler for such a prolonged period is not typically necessary and may cause distress and discomfort to the child. Moreover, prolonged restraint is not recommended as it can hinder the child's mobility and may lead to emotional distress.

B. Swaddle the toddler in a warm blanket:

Swaddling a toddler in a warm blanket may provide comfort, but it is not directly relevant to the lumbar puncture procedure itself. While comfort measures are important for overall patient care, they should not replace or interfere with the specific positioning requirements for medical procedures like a lumbar puncture.

C. Ask another nurse to assist with holding the toddler in a prone position:

This choice involves having another nurse assist in holding the toddler in a prone (face-down) position during the lumbar puncture procedure. However, the prone position is not typically used for lumbar punctures in toddlers. Placing the toddler in a prone position might make the procedure more challenging and less safe for both the child and the healthcare provider.

D. Place the toddler in a side-lying knee-chest position:

Placing the toddler in a side-lying knee-chest position is the correct action for a lumbar puncture procedure in a toddler. This position maximizes the space between the vertebrae, making it easier for the healthcare provider to access the lumbar area safely and accurately. It also helps minimize the risk of injury and discomfort for the toddler during the procedure. Therefore, this choice is the most appropriate for ensuring the success and safety of the lumbar puncture procedure.