A nurse is admitting a 6-month-old infant who has dehydration. Which of the following amounts of urinary output should indicate to the nurse that the treatment has corrected the fluid imbalance?

Choice A reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease may need a feeding tube after the surgery to provide adequate nutrition and hydration while the bowel recovers. The parent should express interest in learning how to use and care for the feeding tube, as this indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice B reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease will not need a urinary catheter after the surgery, unless there is a specific indication for it. The parent should not confuse the feeding tube with the urinary catheter, as this indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching.

Choice C reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease will not have normal bowel movements immediately after the surgery, as the bowel needs time to heal and adapt. The parent should be aware of the possible complications and follow-up care that the child will need.

Choice D reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease may require a temporary or permanent ostomy, depending on the extent of the bowel affected. The parent should be prepared for either outcome and not assume that the ostomy is only temporary.

The correct answer is: B. I will add Polycose to each of my baby's bottles.

Choice A reason:

Allowing the baby to take as much time as needed to finish the bottle is not ideal for infants with heart failure. These infants often tire easily and may not consume enough calories if feeding sessions are prolonged. Shorter, more frequent feedings are generally recommended to ensure adequate intake without exhausting the infant.

Choice B reason:

Adding Polycose to each bottle is an effective way to increase the caloric density of the infant's feedings. Infants with heart failure have higher caloric needs due to their increased metabolic demands and may struggle to consume enough calories through regular formula or breast milk alone. Polycose, a carbohydrate supplement, helps meet these increased nutritional needs.

Choice C reason:

Feeding the baby on a schedule every 4 hours may not be sufficient for an infant with heart failure. These infants often require more frequent feedings to meet their caloric needs and to prevent fatigue during feeding. Feeding every 1-3 hours is typically recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Choice D reason:

Limiting the baby's crying to 15 minutes prior to each feeding does not directly address the nutritional needs of an infant with heart failure. While managing crying is important to reduce energy expenditure, the focus should be on providing adequate nutrition through frequent, high-calorie feedings.