The nurse, caring for an infant whose cleft lip was repaired, should include which interventions in the infant's postoperative plan of care? (Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is choice C: Administering penicillin.

Choice A rationale:

Imposing strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks. This choice is not the most appropriate therapeutic management for rheumatic fever. While rest is important during the acute phase, strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks is excessive and could lead to physical deconditioning and psychological distress for the child.

Choice B rationale:

Administering corticosteroids if chorea develops. This choice is relevant to the management of rheumatic fever but is not the primary treatment. Chorea is a movement disorder that can occur as a complication of rheumatic fever. Corticosteroids may be used to manage chorea symptoms, but they are not the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever itself.

Choice C rationale:

Administering penicillin. This is the correct choice. Penicillin is the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever. It helps eradicate the group A streptococcal infection that triggers the inflammatory response leading to rheumatic fever. Penicillin is essential to prevent further complications such as rheumatic heart disease.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding salicylates (aspirin). This choice is also relevant to the management of rheumatic fever. Salicylates, including aspirin, are used to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. However, in children with acute rheumatic fever, salicylates are contraindicated due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that affects the brain and liver.

The correct answer is choice A. Wearing cotton underpants.

Choice A rationale:

Wearing cotton underpants is the recommended option to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls. Cotton underpants allow better air circulation, which helps to keep the perineal area dry. This reduces the growth of bacteria and prevents moisture buildup, which are crucial in preventing UTIs. Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and create a conducive environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of UTIs.

Choice B rationale:

Limiting bathing as much as possible is not an appropriate recommendation for preventing UTIs. Hygiene is essential to prevent UTIs, and regular bathing is part of maintaining cleanliness. Overly limiting bathing can lead to poor hygiene practices and may not significantly prevent UTIs, as they are often caused by factors beyond bathing frequency.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing fluids and decreasing salt intake can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent UTIs. While staying hydrated is important for maintaining urinary health, simply increasing fluids and reducing salt intake might not be sufficient to prevent UTIs. Hygiene practices and proper perineal care play a more significant role in preventing UTIs.

Choice D rationale:

Cleansing the perineum with water after voiding is a good hygiene practice, but it alone may not be enough to prevent UTIs. While maintaining cleanliness is crucial, using water to cleanse the perineum after voiding should be combined with other practices, such as wearing cotton underpants and proper wiping techniques, to effectively prevent UTIs.