A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a child.
Identify the sequence the nurse should follow.

Choice A rationale:

Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress. The absence of nasal flaring would indicate improvement, but the presence of nasal flaring indicates ongoing respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale:

Retractions are also a sign of respiratory distress. The reduction or absence of retractions would indicate improvement, but their presence indicates ongoing respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

Oxygen saturation is a key indicator of respiratory function. An improvement in oxygen saturation levels (from 89% on room air to higher levels) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in improving the child’s oxygenation.

Choice D rationale:

Breath sounds in bilateral bases are important to assess for improvement in lung function. The presence of clear breath sounds or reduced wheezing indicates improvement in the child’s respiratory status.

Choice E rationale:

Respiratory rate is an important vital sign to monitor in respiratory conditions. A decrease in respiratory rate (from 42 breaths/min to a lower rate) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in reducing the child’s respiratory distress.

Choice F rationale:

Heart rate can be influenced by various factors, including fever, anxiety, and respiratory distress. While a decrease in heart rate may indicate improvement, it is not as specific an indicator of respiratory function as oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.

The correct answer is C. Give the child acetaminophen for discomfort.

Choice A rationale

Offering clear liquids for the first 24 hours is not necessary after a cardiac catheterization. The child can resume a normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider. Clear liquids are typically recommended after procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract to prevent nausea and vomiting, but this is not the case here.

Choice B rationale

Keeping the child home for a week is not required. The child can usually return to normal activities within a day or two, depending on the healthcare provider’s instructions. Prolonged rest is not necessary unless there are complications or specific instructions from the healthcare provider.

Choice C rationale

Acetaminophen is recommended for discomfort because it is effective in managing mild to moderate pain and has a low risk of side effects. It is important to avoid medications that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, especially after a procedure like cardiac catheterization.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the child to take a tub bath for the first 3 days is not recommended. It is generally advised to avoid submerging the catheter insertion site in water to prevent infection. Sponge baths are usually recommended until the site has healed.