A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered an oral dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this mother?

Choice B reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is not a sufficient intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce snoring and improve breathing by preventing the tongue and soft palate from falling back and obstructing the airway. However, it may not be enough to prevent apnea episodes in clients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. The nurse should also use other interventions such as a positive airway pressure device, weight loss, or surgery.

Choice C reason: Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Dentures or other oral appliances are devices that replace missing teeth or improve dental alignment. They may help improve speech, chewing, and appearance, but they do not have a direct impact on obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should instruct the client to remove dentures or other oral appliances before going to bed to prevent discomfort, infection, or damage.

Choice D reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is not a necessary intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Side rails are bars that attach to the sides of the bed frame to prevent falls or injuries. They may provide safety and security for some clients, but they may also pose risks such as entrapment, strangulation, or agitation. The nurse should assess the need for side rails on an individual basis and consider alternative measures such as bed alarms, low beds, or floor mats.

The correct answer is: c. Leave the light on in the room at night.

Choice A: Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge

Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not directly addressing the issue of the client’s confusion and agitation. While a smaller gauge might be less irritating, it does not solve the problem of the client picking at the IV site. The pinkness at the IV site suggests mild irritation or early signs of phlebitis, which can be managed by monitoring and ensuring proper securement and care of the IV site.

Choice B: Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints

Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort due to the potential for causing distress, agitation, and physical harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased circulation, pressure ulcers, and increased agitation, especially in patients with dementia. It is generally recommended to use less restrictive measures first.

Choice C: Leave the light on in the room at night

Leaving the light on in the room at night (C) can help reduce confusion and agitation in dementia patients, a phenomenon known as sundowning. However, it does not address the immediate issue of the non-occlusive dressing and the pink IV insertion site.

Choice D: Redress the abdominal incision

Given the situation, the most appropriate intervention would be to redress the abdominal incision (D). This is because the dressing is no longer occlusive, which can increase the risk of infection. Ensuring the dressing is secure and clean is crucial for the patient's safety.