A nurse is providing teaching to the guardians of an infant who requires a Pavlik harness.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Maintaining the child in a supine position is not recommended after a tonsillectomy.
The child should be positioned on their side to prevent aspiration.

B. Cranberry juice is acidic and may be irritating to the surgical site. Clear, non-acidic fluids are usually recommended after a tonsillectomy.

C. While coughing should be minimized to prevent irritation to the surgical site, the child should not be discouraged from coughing if needed to clear secretions.

D. Administering an analgesic on a scheduled basis is important for managing pain after a tonsillectomy. This helps to maintain a consistent level of pain control.

E. Observing the child for frequent swallowing is important, as it may indicate bleeding or discomfort. This is a key assessment after a tonsillectomy.

A. Negative doll's eye reflex (also known as oculocephalic reflex) is a normal finding in infants. It is a reflexive movement of the eyes in the opposite direction of the head
movement.

B. A sunken anterior fontanel can indicate dehydration, which is a concern. However, in a 2-month-old with heart failure, a high heart rate (tachycardia) may indicate worsening of the heart failure and needs to be addressed promptly.

C. A potassium level of 5.1 mEq/L is within the normal range for infants. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not the priority in this situation.

D. This is the correct answer. A heart rate of 162/min in a 2-month-old infant with heart failure is elevated and requires immediate attention. It may indicate worsening heart
failure or an adverse reaction to the medication (furosemide) being administered. The nurse should assess the infant's condition, notify the healthcare provider, and intervene as necessary.