A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old who had a cardiac catheterization.

Exhibits

Choose words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence. Which of the following should the nurse plan to include in the discharge teaching?

The nurse should plan to include_____and______ in the discharge instructions for the guardians.

A. Improved hydration is important but not directly indicative of an asthma attack improvement.

B. A barking cough is often associated with conditions like croup and does not indicate improvement in asthma symptoms.

C. Decreased temperature is not a specific indicator of improvement in asthma and may not correlate with the severity of an asthma attack.

D. Decreased stridor indicates a reduction in airway obstruction and inflammation, signifying an improvement in the child’s respiratory status during an asthma attack.

The nurse should plan to include Target 1: administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen oral solution if needed for pain and Target 2: call provider if right leg feels cool to touch in comparison to left leg in the discharge instructions for the guardians.

Rationale:

• Administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen oral solution if needed for pain: This instruction is important for managing post-procedure discomfort and promoting the child's comfort.
• Call provider if right leg feels cool to touch in comparison to left leg: This is a critical instruction, as it can indicate potential complications like bleeding or thrombosis. Early identification of these issues is essential for timely intervention.

The other options are not appropriate for discharge teaching in this case:

• Remove pressure dressing four hours after discharge: This is typically done in the hospital setting under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
• Maintain clear liquid diet for 24 hr after discharge: A clear liquid diet may not be necessary after discharge, especially if the child is tolerating oral intake well.
• Tub bath is permitted 24 hr after procedure: While bathing is generally allowed after the procedure, specific instructions regarding water temperature and avoiding submerging the incision site should be provided.