A nurse at a pediatrician’s office answers a phone call from a parent whose child just ingested 15 vitamin tablets with added ferrous sulfate.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the parent?

Choice A rationale
Activated charcoal is often used in cases of drug overdose or poisoning, including aspirin ingestion. It works by binding to the drug or toxin in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed into the body. This makes activated charcoal an effective treatment for aspirin overdose in a toddler.
Choice B rationale
A chelating agent is a substance that can bind to heavy metals in the body, helping to remove them. While useful in cases of heavy metal poisoning, it would not be the first choice for an aspirin overdose.
Choice C rationale
Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, not aspirin. It works by replenishing glutathione, a substance that helps to detoxify the liver.
Choice D rationale
Digoxin immune FAB is used to treat digoxin toxicity. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, and it is not related to aspirin.

Choice A rationale:
Weighing the infant every day on the same scale at the same time is crucial in monitoring excess fluid volume in congestive heart failure. Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common sign of worsening heart failure. Daily weight monitoring helps in early detection and timely intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Notifying the physician when weight gain exceeds more than 20 g/day might be too late for intervention. Daily weight monitoring is essential to detect trends and intervene promptly to manage excess fluid volume.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the infant in a car seat to minimize movement is not directly related to managing excess fluid volume in congestive heart failure. It is essential for safety during transportation but does not address the nursing diagnosis.
Choice D rationale:
Administering digoxin as ordered by the physician is a medical intervention for congestive heart failure. While important, the nursing diagnosis is related to excess fluid volume, and the focus should be on nursing interventions such as monitoring daily weights.