A nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who is postoperative following surgical repair of a cleft lip. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: B

A. Increased pain: Increased pain is a common and expected finding after a tonsillectomy. The surgical removal of tonsils creates wounds in the throat, which can cause discomfort and pain during the healing process. However, increased pain alone is not a specific manifestation of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage would be indicated by other signs, such as drooling, frequent swallowing, or vomiting blood.

B. Frequent swallowing: This can indicate that the child is swallowing blood, which is a common sign of bleeding at the surgical site. Children might not always show obvious signs of bleeding in the mouth, so frequent swallowing can be a subtle but critical indicator of hemorrhage.

C. Poor fluid intake: Poor fluid intake is a common concern after a tonsillectomy due to postoperative pain and discomfort in the throat. The child may be reluctant to drink or eat initially because of their sore throat. However, poor fluid intake alone is not an indicative sign of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage would present with other symptoms, such as drooling, frequent swallowing, or vomiting blood.

D. Drooling:While drooling can occur due to discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing, it is not as specific or immediate a sign of hemorrhage as frequent swallowing.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the production and function of certain glands, particularly those that produce mucus and sweat. One of the key aspects of CF management is addressing the pancreatic insufficiency that occurs in many individuals with CF. Due to the impairment of the pancreas, children with CF may have difficulty digesting food properly, especially fats. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, poor weight gain, and other nutritional deficiencies.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is a crucial part of CF management. Pancreatic enzymes are prescribed to help the child digest and absorb essential nutrients, especially fats. The enzymes are typically given with each meal and snack to aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

The other options are not correct:

A. "We will restrict the amount of salt in our child's food."

Sodium restriction is generally not a focus in CF management unless there are specific indications for it. CF patients may have increased salt losses in sweat, but dietary sodium restriction is not a primary aspect of their care.

B. "I will limit my child's fluid intake."

Fluid intake is important for children with CF to maintain hydration and prevent dehydration. There is no specific need to limit fluid intake unless there are individualized medical reasons for doing so.

C. "I will prepare low-fat meals with limited protein for my child."

Children with CF often require a high-calorie, high-protein diet to maintain adequate nutrition and growth. Restricting fat and protein intake is not typically recommended, as these nutrients are essential for a child's development and well-being. Instead, pancreatic enzymes are used to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and other nutrients.