A nurse in the emergency department is preparing to discharge a 3-year- old child.

Nurses' Notes

The child's guardian states the child has been unable to sleep recently and has been very irritable. Guardian expresses concern about the child's atopic dermatitis worsening and the child

scratching excessively, which results in the areas bleeding. Guardian states the child has a history of allergic rhinitis.
Which of the following statements should the nurse plan to include in the discharge instructions for the child's guardian? (Select all that apply.)

A. Negative doll's eye reflex (also known as oculocephalic reflex) is a normal finding in infants. It is a reflexive movement of the eyes in the opposite direction of the head
movement.

B. A sunken anterior fontanel can indicate dehydration, which is a concern. However, in a 2-month-old with heart failure, a high heart rate (tachycardia) may indicate worsening of the heart failure and needs to be addressed promptly.

C. A potassium level of 5.1 mEq/L is within the normal range for infants. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not the priority in this situation.

D. This is the correct answer. A heart rate of 162/min in a 2-month-old infant with heart failure is elevated and requires immediate attention. It may indicate worsening heart
failure or an adverse reaction to the medication (furosemide) being administered. The nurse should assess the infant's condition, notify the healthcare provider, and intervene as necessary.

A. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation. While it may be beneficial in some cases of allergic reactions, it is not the first-line treatment for severe
anaphylaxis. In this situation, the priority is to address the immediate symptoms and stabilize the child's condition.

B. Administering oxygen is an important intervention, especially if the child is experiencing respiratory distress. However, in the case of severe anaphylaxis, administering epinephrine is the highest priority as it addresses multiple aspects of the reaction, including airway constriction,
low blood pressure, and hives.

C. This is the correct action. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It works rapidly to improve breathing, increase blood pressure, and reduce allergic symptoms. It is considered the most critical intervention in this situation.

D. Nebulized bronchodilators can be beneficial for respiratory distress, but they are not the first-line treatment for severe anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is more effective in rapidly reversing the
allergic reaction and stabilizing the child's condition. It addresses a broader range of symptoms in anaphylaxis compared to a bronchodilator.