A nurse is obtaining vital signs from a 2-month-old infant. The infant's heart rate is 190/min and his temperature is 40° C (104° F). The father asks the nurse why the infant's heart is beating so fast. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

For a child with von Willebrand disease experiencing a nosebleed, the nurse should instruct the parent to have the child sit with their head tilted forward slightly (not backward) to prevent blood from flowing down the throat. Applying direct pressure to the nostrils with fingers or using a clean cloth for about 10 minutes will help stop the bleeding.
Option B (applying ice at the base of the nose) is not recommended because ice can cause vasoconstriction, potentially prolonging bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.
Option C (placing the child in a supine position with a pillow under the back) is also not recommended, as this can lead to blood flowing down the throat, increasing the risk of aspiration.
Option D (placing the child in a sitting position with her head tilted back) should be avoided as it can lead to blood flowing into the throat and potentially being swallowed or aspirated. This position is generally discouraged for nosebleeds.

Following a cardiac catheterization, the nurse should provide the parent with appropriate discharge instructions to ensure the child's proper recovery. The correct instruction to include is option B: "Give the child acetaminophen for discomfort."

Explanation:

Option A: Offering the child clear liquids for the first 24 hours is not a typical instruction following a cardiac catheterization. After the procedure, the child may be allowed to resume a regular diet, as tolerated, based on the healthcare provider's orders.

Option B: This is the correct instruction. After cardiac catheterization, the child may experience some discomfort at the insertion site or the area where the catheter was threaded through the blood vessels. Acetaminophen can be used to manage mild pain or discomfort.

Option C: Taking a tub bath for the first 3 days is not typically mentioned in discharge instructions after a cardiac catheterization. The nurse might advise the parent to avoid submerging the catheter insertion site in water for a specific period and instead use sponge baths until permitted by the healthcare provider.

Option D: Keeping the child home for 1 week is not a standard recommendation for a cardiac catheterization. The recovery period after a cardiac catheterization is usually shorter, and the child can often resume normal activities within a day or two, depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure and the child's condition.

The nurse should thoroughly review the specific discharge instructions provided by the healthcare provider and ensure the parent understands the care required at home, including any restrictions on activities or signs of potential complications that require immediate attention.