A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who has manifestations of severe dehydration and a prescription for parenteral fluid therapy. The guardian asks, "What are the indication that my baby needs an IV?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Use a mummy restraint to hold the child during the catheter insertion: Physical restraints should be used only as a last resort, as they can increase anxiety and trauma. Non-pharmacologic methods and parental support are preferred for safely holding a child during procedures.

B. Perform the procedure in the child's room: Conducting the IV insertion in the child’s room helps reduce stress by providing a familiar environment. It also allows parental presence, which can comfort the child and improve cooperation.

C. Require the parents to leave the room during the procedure: Removing parents can increase the child’s anxiety and reduce emotional support. Parental presence is generally encouraged to help the child feel safe during invasive procedures.

D. Tell the child there will be discomfort during the catheter insertion: The nurse should provide age-appropriate explanations using simple, honest language, focusing on sensations rather than labeling it as painful, to reduce fear and encourage cooperation.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can develop after a viral illness when aspirin is given to children. The toddler’s symptoms—lethargy, persistent vomiting, and difficulty rousing—align with signs of increased intracranial pressure associated with Reye’s syndrome.

• Aspirin administration during a recent influenza A infection is a known trigger for Reye’s syndrome, as it can cause acute encephalopathy and liver dysfunction in pediatric patients.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Bronchitis would present with prominent lower respiratory symptoms such as productive cough, wheezing, and abnormal lung sounds, which are not noted here.

• Gastroenteritis is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea with signs of dehydration; this child has no diarrhea, and the neurological decline suggests CNS involvement rather than a purely GI process.

• Acetaminophen administration is not linked to Reye’s syndrome; toxicity causes liver injury but does not present with acute encephalopathy following viral illness in the same way.

• Cough finding is unrelated to the primary cause of the neurological changes and persistent vomiting; the cough has been present but is not the trigger for the current complication.