A nurse is caring for a toddler who has acute laryngotracheobronchitis and has been placed in a cool mist tent. Which of the following findings indicates that the treatment has been effective?

Choice A reason: This is the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. The nurse should initiate droplet precautions, which include wearing a surgical mask, gloves, and gown, and keeping the child in a private room or with other children who have mumps.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Airborne precautions are used for infections that are transmitted by small particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. Mumps is not an airborne infection, and the nurse does not need to wear a respirator or place the child in a negative pressure room.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Contact precautions are used for infections that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected person or their environment, such as scabies, impetigo, or MRSA. Mumps is not a contact infection, and the nurse does not need to wear gloves and gown for all interactions with the child or use disposable equipment.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Standard precautions are the minimum level of infection control that should be used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. They include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and environmental cleaning. However, they are not sufficient for preventing the transmission of mumps, and the nurse should use additional precautions.

Choice A reason: A respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child. It does not indicate the degree of hydration or dehydration of the child.

Choice B reason: A heart rate of 130/min is above the normal range for a 3-year-old child, which is 80 to 120/min. It may indicate dehydration, fever, pain, or anxiety. It does not indicate the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy.

Choice C reason: A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range for a child, which is 1.005 to 1.030. It indicates that the child's urine is adequately concentrated and that the child is well hydrated. It is a reliable indicator of the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy.

Choice D reason: A capillary refill of greater than 3 seconds is abnormal and indicates poor peripheral perfusion. It may be a sign of dehydration, shock, or hypothermia. It does not indicate the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy.