A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a 2-month-old infant who has just undergone cleft palate repair. The nurse should contribute which of the following interventions to the client's plan of care?

A. Drooling:

Drooling can occur post-tonsillectomy due to throat discomfort or swelling. However, it is not specific to hemorrhage. It may result from pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing.

B. Continuous swallowing:

Continuous swallowing is indeed a clinical manifestation of hemorrhage after a tonsillectomy. The presence of blood in the throat triggers the swallowing reflex, leading to frequent swallowing by the patient. This symptom is characteristic of hemorrhage and requires immediate medical attention.

C. Poor fluid intake:

Poor fluid intake can occur post-tonsillectomy due to pain, discomfort, or nausea. While it can be a concern for overall recovery, it is not specific to hemorrhage.

D. Increased pain:

Increased pain can be associated with hemorrhage, especially if it is sudden, severe, or worsening. However, it is not as specific as continuous swallowing in indicating hemorrhage post-tonsillectomy. Increased pain can also be due to various other reasons such as inflammation, infection, or trauma.

A. Place the infant in prone position.

This option is incorrect. Placing the infant in the prone position (lying on the stomach) could put pressure on the spinal lesion, potentially causing discomfort or complications. It's important to minimize pressure on the affected area in infants with spina bifida.

B. Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth.

This option is incorrect. While keeping the lesion clean and dry is important for preventing infection, simply covering it with a dry cloth may not provide adequate protection. Proper wound care techniques, such as using sterile dressings and cleaning the area with prescribed solutions, are typically necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.

C. Feed the infant through an NG tube.

This option is incorrect. While infants with severe forms of spina bifida may have difficulty feeding due to associated complications, such as difficulty swallowing or weak sucking reflexes, feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube is not a standard intervention for spina bifida itself. Feeding methods would depend on the specific needs and abilities of the infant, and may involve breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or other methods under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

D. Diapering over a low defect will keep the infant free from infection.

This option is correct. Diapering over a low defect (the opening in the spine caused by spina bifida) helps to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. By properly covering the defect with a diaper, exposure to urine and feces, which can increase the risk of infection, is minimized. Additionally, regular diaper changes and proper hygiene practices are essential for preventing complications in infants with spina bifida.