A nurse is collecting data from the guardian of a toddler during a well-child visit. The guardian expresses concern to the nurse because his child has a poor appetite, but drinks a quart of milk each day.

The nurse should identify that this practice places the toddler at risk for which of the following conditions?

Answer: A. Potassium

Rationale:

A) Potassium:

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.

B) WBC Count:

While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.

C) Iron:

Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.

D) Amylase:

Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.

The nurse should include maintaining elbow restraints on the infant in the plan of care following cleft palate repair. This helps to prevent the infant from touching their surgical site and disrupting the healing process.

a) Allowing the infant to have soft foods may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's diet should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.

c) Instructing the parents to feed the infant with a spoon may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's feeding method should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.

d) Telling the parents to avoid brushing the infant's teeth for two weeks may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's oral care should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.