A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of heart failure?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Perform clean intermittent catheterization every 8 hours is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require catheterization. The nurse should assess the infant’s bladder function and teach the guardian how to perform catheterization if needed.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate the passage of stool twice per day is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require rectal stimulation. The nurse should assess the infant’s bowel function and teach the guardian how to manage constipation or fecal incontinence if needed.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Anticipate gradual loss of function in the lower extremities is a possible outcome for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, depending on the location and severity of the defect. However, the nurse should not assume that the infant will lose function in the lower extremities. The nurse should monitor the infant’s motor and sensory development and provide appropriate interventions to promote mobility and prevent complications.

Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Check toys and pacifiers for the presence of latex is an important precaution for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, as they are at risk of developing latex allergy due to repeated exposure to latex products during surgery and medical procedures. The nurse should teach the guardian how to identify and avoid latex-containing items and how to recognize and treat signs of allergic reaction.

Choice A reason: Keeping electrical wires hidden from view is essential to prevent toddlers from pulling on them, which can lead to electrical burns or other injuries. It is a proactive measure to ensure a safe environment for children who are naturally curious and prone to exploring with their hands.

Choice B reason: Turning pot handles toward the front of the stove is dangerous as it increases the risk of toddlers reaching up and pulling hot contents onto themselves. The correct practice is to turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to keep them out of reach of children.

Choice C reason: Encouraging outdoor activities between the hours of 11:00 and 13:00 can expose toddlers to the sun's peak intensity, increasing the risk of sunburn. It is safer to encourage outdoor activities outside these hours when the sun is less intense.

Choice D reason: Setting the water heater to 60°C (140°F) is too high and poses a scalding risk. The recommended temperature to prevent burns is 49°C (120°F), which is hot enough for household use but not so hot as to cause immediate burns upon contact.