A mother brings her 3-week-old son to the clinic because he is vomiting "all the time." In performing a physical assessment, the nurse notes that the infant has poor skin turgor, has lost 20% of his birth weight, and has a small palpable oval-shaped mass in his abdomen. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The correct answer is choice C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling.

Choice A rationale:

Palpating all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength is important for assessing circulation, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices.IPC devices are primarily used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improve venous return, so monitoring for signs of DVT is more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the amount of drainage from the client’s incision is crucial for assessing wound healing and detecting potential infections, but it is not related to the effectiveness of IPC devices.

Choice C rationale:

Observing both lower extremities for redness and swelling is the most important assessment for evaluating the effectiveness of IPC devices. Redness and swelling can be signs of DVT, which IPC devices are designed to prevent.Therefore, this assessment directly measures whether the devices are functioning as intended.

Choice D rationale:

Evaluating the client’s ability to use an incentive spirometer is important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, but it does not assess the effectiveness of IPC devices.

A.Correct- The nurse should provide the parents with the phone numbers and websites of local organizations that offer support and counseling for families who have experienced a traumatic event. The nurse should also encourage the parents to seek professional help if they feel overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious.

B.Correct- Educating the parents about pool safety is crucial to prevent future accidents. This information can include guidelines for supervision, barriers, and measures to prevent drowning incidents.

C.Incorrect- While it's important for parents to be aware of the seriousness of child neglect, including this information in pre-discharge education might not be the most appropriate time, especially if the child is showing only minor signs of impact from the incident. This could increase their guilt and distress and damage the therapeutic relationship. The nurse should focus on providing support and education, not judgment or punishment.

D.Correct- The nurse should advise the parents to schedule a follow-up visit with the child's pediatrician within a week of discharge. The nurse should explain that the pediatrician will monitor the child's recovery and check for any signs of complications, such as brain damage, infection, or lung injury.

F. Correct- Assessing the parent's coping skills can help identify if they are dealing with any emotional stress or trauma related to the incident. Providing appropriate support or referrals if needed can be beneficial.