A nurse is assessing a newborn's heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answers are A, B, and D.

Choice A reason:

Removing an indwelling urinary catheter when it is no longer indicated is a standard postoperative care practice. It helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common complications associated with prolonged catheter use. The normal practice is to remove the catheter as soon as the patient can use the bathroom independently or when medically advised.

Choice B reason:

Elevating the affected limb at chest level can help reduce swelling and improve venous return. This is particularly important after surgery involving the lower extremities to prevent edema and promote circulation. Proper elevation assists in managing pain and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Choice C reason:

Assisting with ambulation from bed to chair immediately after surgery may not be appropriate, especially if the adolescent has had surgery on the lower extremity. It is essential to wait for the physician's evaluation and specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and movement post-surgery.

Choice D reason:

Performing neurovascular assessments every hour is crucial after surgery on an extremity. This involves checking for sensation, motor function, color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulse strength. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds; a refill time of 4 seconds, as noted in the assessment, is abnormal and warrants close monitoring. Frequent assessments help in early detection of complications such as compartment syndrome.

Choice E reason:

Applying warm packs to the right extremity for the first 24 hours post-surgery is not recommended. Warm packs can increase circulation to the area, potentially increasing swelling and bleeding. Instead, cold packs are usually applied to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. The use of warm packs can be considered after the initial 24-hour period, depending on the surgeon's instructions and the wound's response.

- A. Discussing the suspicion of physical abuse with the provider is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. However, this should be done after the matter is reported to child protection services.

- B. Confronting the parents with the suspicion of physical abuse is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it can escalate the situation and endanger the child or the nurse.

- C. Asking the hospital security to detain and question the parents is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it violates the parents' rights and may interfere with the legal process.

- D.Contacting Child Protective Services is appropriate action for the nurse to take at this point as it is the nurse's legal responsibility to do so.