A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. "Try switching to a different formula." While switching formula might be an option if the infant is having feeding issues, projectile vomiting in a 2-month-old infant could indicate a more serious condition, such as pyloric stenosis. It's essential for the nurse to assess the infant's condition in person rather than recommending a formula change over the phone.

B. "Burp your baby more frequently during feedings." Burping the baby more frequently might help reduce gas but is unlikely to resolve projectile vomiting, which can be a sign of a medical issue requiring prompt attention.

C. "Bring your baby in to the clinic today." This response is the most appropriate because projectile vomiting in an infant, especially when combined with increased hunger, could indicate a serious condition like pyloric stenosis or other gastrointestinal problems. The infant needs to be assessed by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

D. "Give your infant an oral rehydration solution." Oral rehydration solutions are typically used to replenish fluids lost due to vomiting or diarrhea. However, in this case, the priority is to determine the cause of the projectile vomiting, which requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider.

A. Administer opioids for pain:

While pain management is crucial after surgery, opioids may not be the first-line choice for pain relief in toddlers due to their potential side effects, including respiratory depression and sedation. Non-opioid pain relief methods such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be preferred, depending on the toddler's age and the surgeon's preference.

B. Apply bilateral wrist restraints:

After a cleft palate repair, it's essential to prevent the toddler from putting hands or objects into their mouth, as this could disrupt the surgical site and compromise healing. Bilateral wrist restraints help to immobilize the toddler's arms and prevent them from reaching the mouth area, reducing the risk of injury and promoting healing.

C. Implement a soft diet:

A soft diet may be appropriate for the toddler once they have fully recovered from the surgery and the surgical site has healed adequately. However, 24 hours postoperative is too soon to introduce a soft diet, as the toddler may still be recovering from anesthesia and experiencing discomfort. It's essential to follow the surgeon's orders regarding diet progression.

D. Offer fluids through a straw:

Offering fluids through a straw may pose a risk of aspiration or injury to the surgical site, especially in the immediate postoperative period. It's crucial to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding feeding methods and avoid using straws until the toddler has fully recovered and the surgical site has healed.