A nurse is assisting with the care of a 1-month-old infant who has neonatal abstinence syndrome and is receiving phenobarbital. Which of the following findings indicates to the nurse that the medication has had a therapeutic effect?

A: Suctioning the client's airway every 2 hours is not indicated based on the provided information. The adolescent does not have a condition that compromises airway clearance, and routine suctioning can cause trauma or stimulate a vagal response, potentially leading to bradycardia.

B: Maintaining the client's head of the bed at 30° is appropriate for reducing intracranial pressure and facilitating venous drainage. The patient's symptoms of nuchal rigidity and severe headache suggest increased intracranial pressure, possibly due to meningitis, which is supported by the diagnostic results.

C: Keeping the client's room well lit is not advisable as the patient reports photophobia, which is a sensitivity to light. A well-lit room could exacerbate discomfort and pain.

D: Checking the client's temperature every 8 hours is important but not the priority intervention. The patient's condition requires more frequent monitoring due to the positive blood culture and sensitivity, indicating an active infection. More frequent temperature checks would be warranted.

Choice A reason:

Providing pain medication on a schedule is important for managing pain and ensuring the child's comfort, especially after a surgery involving peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Contact isolation is not typically indicated for a child postoperative for appendicitis unless there is a specific infectious concern. It is not a routine intervention.

Choice C reason:

Offering clear liquids may be appropriate depending on the child's individual recovery and surgeon's orders. However, this should be determined on an individual basis and is not a standard postoperative intervention.

Choice D reason:

Maintaining strict bed rest may not be necessary for all children postoperative for appendicitis. Early mobilization and ambulation are often encouraged to promote recovery.