A nurse is assessing a toddler who is 8 hr. postoperative following a cardiac catheterization procedure.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale

Meperidine is not the first choice for pain management in sickle cell crisis due to its potential to cause seizures and other side effects.

Choice B rationale

Bed rest is recommended during a sickle cell crisis to decrease the body’s demand for oxygen, reduce the workload of the heart, and improve blood flow.

Choice C rationale

Limiting fluid intake is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Adequate hydration is important to prevent further sickling of cells and to maintain kidney function.

Choice D rationale

Cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction and may exacerbate the crisis. Warm compresses are usually recommended to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Choice A rationale

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a common clinical manifestation of heart failure in children. This occurs because the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, causing fluid to back up into the

lungs and leading to shortness of breath and rapid breathing.

Choice B rationale

Contrary to increased appetite, children with heart failure often experience a decrease in appetite or difficulty feeding. This is due to increased energy expenditure and early satiety caused by abdominal distension from hepatomegaly or ascites.

Choice C rationale

Tremors are not typically associated with heart failure. They could be a sign of other neurological conditions, side effects of certain medications, or anxiety.

Choice D rationale

Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically a symptom of heart failure. In fact, tachycardia, or a faster than normal heart rate, is more commonly seen in heart failure as the heart tries to compensate for its reduced ability to pump blood.