A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parent of a 10-year-old child following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is D) A child whose parents answer questions for the child.

Here is a detailed explanation for each choice:

Choice A reason:

A child who has a BMI indicating obesity: While obesity can be a concern for a child’s health, it is not a direct indicator of abuse. Obesity can result from various factors, including genetics, diet, and physical activity levels. It does not necessarily suggest that the child is experiencing abuse or neglect.

Choice B reason:

A child who has frequent visitors: Frequent visitors can indicate a strong support system and concern for the child’s well-being. It is not typically associated with abuse. In fact, children who are abused often have fewer visitors and less social support.

Choice C reason:

A child who uses the call light frequently: Frequent use of the call light may indicate that the child is seeking attention or has unmet needs, but it is not a specific indicator of abuse. Children may use the call light for various reasons, including anxiety, pain, or a need for reassurance.

Choice D reason:

A child whose parents answer questions for the child: This behavior can be a red flag for abuse. When parents consistently answer questions for the child, it may indicate that they are controlling the child’s communication and preventing them from speaking freely. This can be a sign of emotional abuse or manipulation.

Choice A reason: This is the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. The nurse should initiate droplet precautions, which include wearing a surgical mask, gloves, and gown, and keeping the child in a private room or with other children who have mumps.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Airborne precautions are used for infections that are transmitted by small particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. Mumps is not an airborne infection, and the nurse does not need to wear a respirator or place the child in a negative pressure room.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Contact precautions are used for infections that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected person or their environment, such as scabies, impetigo, or MRSA. Mumps is not a contact infection, and the nurse does not need to wear gloves and gown for all interactions with the child or use disposable equipment.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the plan. Standard precautions are the minimum level of infection control that should be used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. They include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and environmental cleaning. However, they are not sufficient for preventing the transmission of mumps, and the nurse should use additional precautions.