A parent asks the nurse how to care for their 4-year-old child after receiving the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

Choice A reason: Placing the child on a continuous cardiopulmonary monitor is a standard post-operative order for monitoring the child’s heart and lung function after cardiac catheterization.
Choice B reason: Checking pedal pulses every 4 hours is important to ensure that there is adequate blood flow to the extremities, which can be compromised after cardiac procedures.
Choice C reason: Point of care blood glucose testing every 6 hours may not be necessary unless the child has a history of diabetes or there was a specific concern during the procedure. This order should be clarified with the physician.
Choice D reason: Admitting the child to the pediatric floor for observation is a standard procedure to monitor for any complications following cardiac catheterization.
Choice E reason: Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is a typical post-operative order to ensure the child’s stability after the procedure.
Choice F reason: Checking the dressing every 15 minutes for 1 hour and then every hour for 24 hours is a standard order to monitor for bleeding or other complications at the catheterization site.
Choice G reason: The order for NPO status might need to be questioned depending on the time expected before the child can eat or drink again, especially considering the child’s age and the need for hydration and nutrition.
Choice H reason: Administering Lactated Ringers IV at 66 mL/hr while NPO is a standard order to maintain hydration while the child cannot take anything by mouth.

Choice A reason: Massaging the back to promote diaphragmatic excursion can be beneficial but is not the most effective intervention compared to early mobilization.

Choice B reason: Assisting the client to sit in a chair encourages lung expansion and sputum clearance, which are crucial for preventing atelectasis and pneumonia.

Choice C reason: Noting areas of atelectasis on chest x-rays is important for monitoring, but it is not an intervention that actively prevents respiratory complications.

Choice D reason: Providing ice or oral liquids when the client passes flatus is related to gastrointestinal recovery, not respiratory complications.