A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a 4-month-old infant during a home visit.

Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is choice A. Limit oral feedings to 30 min in length.

This is because infants with heart failure have difficulty feeding and may become exhausted or dyspneic during prolonged feedings. By limiting the feeding time, the nurse can reduce the energy expenditure and caloric needs of the infant.

Choice B is wrong because weighing the infant every other day is not enough to monitor the fluid status and nutritional intake of the infant. The nurse should weigh the infant daily at the same time using the same scale.

Choice C is wrong because placing the infant in the prone position can compromise the respiratory function and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The nurse should place the infant in a semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing and decrease venous return.

Choice D is wrong because checking the infant’s oxygen saturation every 6 hr is not frequent enough to detect hypoxia or cyanosis. The nurse should monitor the oxygen saturation continuously or at least every 2 hr.

The correct answer is choice A. Instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure.

A thoracentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid or air. Coughing can increase the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or bleeding during the procedure.

Choice B is wrong because the client does not need to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hr prior to the procedure. There is no risk of aspiration during a thoracentesis.

Choice C is wrong because the client should be positioned on the unaffected side for 4 hr following the procedure. This allows the affected lung to re-expand and prevents fluid from accumulating in the pleural space again.

Choice D is wrong because the client should not be placed in the prone position during the procedure. The prone position makes it difficult to access the pleural space and can compromise breathing.