A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension.
Which of the following actions is the bestfor the nurse to take?

The correct answer is: a. Remove bibs when the infant is going to sleep.

Choice A reason: Removing bibs when an infant is going to sleep is a critical safety measure to prevent suffocation and strangulation risks. Infants should have a sleep environment free of any loose objects that could cover their face and interfere with breathing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the crib clear of items like bibs, pillows, blankets, and toys to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths.

Choice B reason: Using a highchair for feedings is not recommended for a 3-month-old infant because they typically cannot sit up unsupported at this age. Highchairs are generally used when an infant can sit up well without support and has good head control, usually around 6 months old. Until then, infants should be held or placed in an appropriate reclined feeding position.

Choice C reason: A soft crib mattress is not advisable for infants. A firm mattress is essential to provide a safe sleep surface. Soft mattresses and other soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation because they can create pockets that may cause an infant’s face to sink in and restrict breathing.

Choice D reason: Placing pillows in the crib, even one small pillow, is unsafe for infants. Pillows can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of SIDS. The crib should be kept bare, with only a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, to ensure a safe sleep environment for the infant.

Choice A rationale:

Pedal pulses are a measure of peripheral circulation. A 2+ rating is considered normal, indicating a brisk, expected response. There’s no change in the client’s pedal pulses from Day 1 to Day 5, so this doesn’t require immediate follow-up.

Choice B rationale:

Oxygen saturation is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, so we cannot provide a rationale for this choice.

Choice C rationale:

Breath sounds are an important indicator of respiratory health. The client’s breath sounds are clear and present throughout on both Day 1 and Day 5, which is normal and doesn’t require immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in respiratory rate could indicate a problem such as infection or pain, and would require immediate follow-up.

Choice E rationale:

The abdominal dressing shows a large amount of serosanguinous drainage on Day 5, compared to a small amount on Day 1. This could indicate a complication such as infection or dehiscence (separation of the wound), especially since the client reported feeling something “popped” at the incision site after coughing. This requires immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale:

Heart rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in heart rate could indicate a systemic response to factors such as pain or infection, and would require immediate follow-up. In summary, while pedal pulses and breath sounds remain normal, the change in the abdominal dressing and potential changes in respiratory rate and heart rate (though not documented here) should be addressed immediately to ensure the client’s health and recovery.