A nurse is talking with the parents of a 2-month-old infant who have chosen to not immunize the infant. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Limiting potassium intake is dangerous with digoxin, as low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing drug binding to cardiac cells. Adequate potassium levels are critical for safe use, as digoxin affects cardiac contractility, making this instruction incorrect and potentially harmful.
Choice B reason: Repeating a digoxin dose if the child vomits within 1 hour is unsafe without medical consultation, as it risks overdose. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, and toxicity can cause arrhythmias. Parents should contact the provider for guidance, making this instruction incorrect and dangerous.
Choice C reason: Adding digoxin to juice risks inaccurate dosing, as the child may not consume the full amount, leading to underdosing or toxicity if additional doses are given. Precise administration (e.g., via syringe) ensures correct dosing, critical for digoxin’s narrow therapeutic range, making this instruction inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Having the child drink water after digoxin ensures the dose is fully swallowed, preventing loss from spitting or incomplete ingestion. This supports accurate dosing, essential for digoxin’s safe use in heart failure, where it enhances cardiac output. This instruction is safe and effective, making it correct.

Choice A reason: Varicella, a viral infection, is not treated with antibiotics, which target bacteria. Returning to school after 24 hours of antibiotics is incorrect, as contagiousness persists until lesions crust, typically 5-7 days, risking transmission if the child returns prematurely.
Choice B reason: A negative titer result indicates immunity or resolved infection but is not a practical criterion for school return. Varicella contagiousness depends on lesion crusting, not serology, which is complex and unnecessary when clinical signs confirm reduced infectivity in affected children.
Choice C reason: Fever subsidence does not ensure non-contagiousness in Varicella. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and lesions until crusted. Allowing return based on fever ignores transmission risk, as active lesions remain infectious, potentially spreading the virus in school settings.
Choice D reason: Varicella is contagious until lesions crust over, typically 5-7 days post-rash. Crusting indicates the end of viral shedding, ensuring safety for school return. This aligns with infection control guidelines, preventing transmission via contact or respiratory routes in communal settings.