A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

A) “You should give your child a clear liquid diet for 24 hr.”:A clear liquid diet is not typically required following a cardiac catheterization. The child can usually resume a regular diet unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider.

B) “Your child can take a tub bath this evening.”:Tub baths should be avoided immediately after a cardiac catheterization to prevent infection at the catheter insertion site. Sponge baths are usually recommended until the site has healed.

C) “Your child should stay out of school for 7 days following the procedure.”:While some rest is necessary, staying out of school for 7 days is generally not required. The child can usually return to school within a few days, depending on their recovery and the healthcare provider’s advice.

D) “You should remove your child’s pressure dressing tomorrow.”:Removing the pressure dressing the day after the procedure is a common instruction. It allows the site to be inspected for any signs of infection or complications and ensures proper healing.

A) Provide the client with a 4g sodium diet: This is incorrect. Clients with acute heart failure typically require a low-sodium diet (often less than 2g per day) to help manage fluid retention and reduce workload on the heart.

B) Ambulate the client every 4 hr while awake: While mobility is important, the frequency and timing of ambulation in clients with acute heart failure should be carefully considered based on their stability and fatigue level. It may not be appropriate to ambulate every 4 hours.

C) Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride 500 mL IV bolus over 1 hr: This is generally not appropriate for clients with acute heart failure due to the risk of fluid overload. Instead, fluid management often involves restricting IV fluids and closely monitoring fluid balance.

D) Administer enalapril 2.5 mg PO twice daily: This prescription is appropriate. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is commonly used to manage heart failure by reducing afterload and improving cardiac output. It helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in heart failure patients.