A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an infant who has heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to include in the plan of care?

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.

Choice A rationale:
Iron 100 mcg/dL The normal range for serum iron levels can vary based on age and gender, but typically, a range of 50 to 150 mcg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 100 mcg/dL falls within this range and is not a cause for concern. Elevated iron levels can be indicative of hemochromatosis or other disorders, but this value is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL Hemoglobin levels can vary by age and gender, but in general, a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is low and suggestive of anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms, and the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 140 mEq/L The normal range for serum sodium levels is typically around 135 to 145 mEq/L. The provided value of 140 mEq/L falls within this normal range and is not a cause for concern. Deviations from this range can indicate various conditions, including dehydration or overhydration, but this value is within an acceptable range.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 9 mg/dL The normal range for serum calcium levels can vary, but generally, a range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 9 mg/dL falls within this range and is not significantly abnormal. Abnormal calcium levels can be indicative of various conditions, including thyroid disorders or kidney problems, but this value is not concerning.