A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has a prescription for clear liquids by mouth after a repair of an intussusception. Which of the following fluids should the nurse select for the infant?

Choice A reason: Elbow restraints are commonly used for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair to prevent them from touching or rubbing their incisions, which could cause bleeding, infection, or disruption of the sutures¹².

Choice B reason: Wrist restraints are not appropriate for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they do not prevent the infant from reaching their mouth with their fingers or objects. Wrist restraints are more suitable for older children or adults who need to avoid pulling out tubes or catheters³.

Choice C reason: Jacket restraints are not indicated for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they do not restrict the movement of the arms or hands. Jacket restraints are more useful for children who need to be secured to a bed or chair to prevent falls or injuries³.

Choice D reason: Mummy restraints are not recommended for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they immobilize the entire body and can cause respiratory distress, overheating, or skin breakdown. Mummy restraints are only used for short procedures that require minimal movement, such as venipuncture or lumbar puncture³.

The correct answer is: B. I will add Polycose to each of my baby's bottles.

Choice A reason:

Allowing the baby to take as much time as needed to finish the bottle is not ideal for infants with heart failure. These infants often tire easily and may not consume enough calories if feeding sessions are prolonged. Shorter, more frequent feedings are generally recommended to ensure adequate intake without exhausting the infant.

Choice B reason:

Adding Polycose to each bottle is an effective way to increase the caloric density of the infant's feedings. Infants with heart failure have higher caloric needs due to their increased metabolic demands and may struggle to consume enough calories through regular formula or breast milk alone. Polycose, a carbohydrate supplement, helps meet these increased nutritional needs.

Choice C reason:

Feeding the baby on a schedule every 4 hours may not be sufficient for an infant with heart failure. These infants often require more frequent feedings to meet their caloric needs and to prevent fatigue during feeding. Feeding every 1-3 hours is typically recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Choice D reason:

Limiting the baby's crying to 15 minutes prior to each feeding does not directly address the nutritional needs of an infant with heart failure. While managing crying is important to reduce energy expenditure, the focus should be on providing adequate nutrition through frequent, high-calorie feedings.