A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who is postoperative following tetralogy of Fallot correction. Which of the following manifestations indicates the child is possibly experiencing decreased cardiac output?

Choice A rationale:
Hematocrit 36%. A hematocrit level of 36% falls within the normal range for adolescents. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells and is used to assess for anemia or polycythemia. A level of 36% is not a cause for concern in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is within the normal range for adolescents. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This level indicates that the adolescent is not significantly anemic.
Choice C rationale:
Glucose 120 mg/dL. A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is within the normal range for a random blood glucose test. However, in the context of diabetes mellitus, the nurse should be more concerned about the HbA1c level, which reflects the average blood glucose level over the past few months.
Choice D rationale:
HbA1c 10.7%. HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, reflects the average blood glucose concentration over a span of approximately 2 to 3 months. An HbA1c level of 10.7% is significantly elevated and indicates poor long-term glucose control. This value suggests that the adolescent's diabetes management has not been effective, which can lead to an increased risk of diabetes-related complications over time. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider so that appropriate adjustments can be made to the treatment plan.

Choice A rationale:
Cleaning the infant's suture line with chlorhexidine solution is not indicated immediately after cleft lip repair. The primary concern in the immediate postoperative period is pain management and wound healing, and cleaning the suture line with chlorhexidine could potentially disrupt the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Applying elbow immobilizers to the infant is not necessary after cleft lip repair. Elbow immobilizers are typically used in situations where there's a need to restrict arm movement, such as preventing a child from bending their arms after certain types of surgery. Cleft lip repair does not involve the arms, so this action is not relevant.
Choice C rationale:
Correct Choice. Offering the infant a pacifier with sucrose for pain relief is appropriate. Non-nutritive sucking, such as using a pacifier, has been shown to have pain-relieving effects in infants. Sucrose, a sweet solution, is often used in combination with non-nutritive sucking to further enhance pain relief during minor procedures or painful experiences. It provides comfort and distraction to the infant, helping to reduce their discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the infant in a prone position for sleeping is contraindicated after cleft lip repair. Placing an infant prone (on their stomach) for sleep increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The recommended sleep position for infants is supine (on their back) to ensure their safety.