A nurse is providing discharge teaching about circumcision care to a parent of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. WBC count 10,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): This value is at the upper limit of normal. Mild elevations can occur during early pregnancy due to physiological changes and do not typically require immediate reporting unless accompanied by signs of infection.

B. Fasting blood glucose 80 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): This value falls within the normal fasting glucose range for adults and is not concerning during early pregnancy. No intervention or reporting is necessary for this result.

C. Hematocrit 30% (37% to 47%): This value is below the normal range, indicating anemia. Early pregnancy anemia can increase the risk of maternal fatigue, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and possible iron supplementation.

D. RBC count 6 million/mm³ (4.2 to 6.1 million/mm³): This value is within the normal range for red blood cells. It does not indicate any immediate concern and does not require reporting to the provider.

Rationale:

A. Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals: Pancreatic enzymes are used to aid digestion in clients with pancreatic insufficiency, not for epiglottitis. This intervention is unrelated to the acute respiratory management required for this condition.

B. Carefully suction the child's oropharynx to remove secretions: Suctioning the oropharynx in a child with epiglottitis can trigger laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction. Suctioning should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and performed only by experienced personnel with emergency airway equipment ready.

C. Continuously monitor the child's respiratory status: Epiglottitis can rapidly progress to airway obstruction. Continuous assessment of respiratory rate, effort, oxygen saturation, and signs of distress is critical to detect deterioration early and initiate emergency interventions, making this a priority nursing action.

D. Instill normal saline drops to nares before meals: Nasal saline drops are used to relieve mild nasal congestion and facilitate feeding in children but do not address the life-threatening airway risk in epiglottitis. This is a supportive measure, not a priority intervention.