The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant in the emergency department. The nurse reviews the infant's medical record and assessment findings. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect, and what actions should the nurse take to address that condition, and what parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the infant's progress?

The nurse should suspect that the infant has

Choice A reason: Failure to thrive is not a likely condition, as it is a term used to describe inadequate growth or weight gain in children. The infant has a low weight percentile, but not below the 5th percentile, which is the usual cutoff for failure to thrive. The infant's length and head circumference are within the normal range, which also does not indicate failure to thrive.

Choice B reason: Microcephaly is not a probable condition, as it is a condition where the head size is much smaller than normal for the age and sex of the child. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, which is the opposite of microcephaly. Microcephaly can be caused by genetic disorders, infections, or brain damage.

Choice C reason: Hydrocephalus is a possible condition, as it is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, causing increased pressure and enlargement of the head. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, which can indicate hydrocephalus. The infant also has a low weight percentile, which can be a result of poor feeding or vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure. T

Choice D reason: Macrocephaly is not a definite condition, as it is a term used to describe a head size that is much larger than normal for the age and sex of the child. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, but not above the 97th percentile, which is the usual cutoff for macrocephaly. Macrocephaly can be caused by genetic factors, benign familial macrocephaly, or other conditions, such as hydrocephalus.

Choice A reason: A protective environment is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who are immunocompromised and at high risk of infection from environmental sources, such as fungi or bacteria. It involves using a private room with positive air pressure, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, and strict hand hygiene. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as they are the source of infection, not the susceptible host.

Choice B reason: Airborne is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by small droplets that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. It involves using a private room with negative air pressure, HEPA filtration, and respiratory protection for health care workers and visitors. It is the appropriate isolation precaution for patients who have measles, as it prevents the spread of the virus to others.

Choice C reason: Contact is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment, such as Clostridioides difficile, scabies, or impetigo. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing gloves and gowns, and using dedicated equipment. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is not spread by contact.

Choice D reason: Droplet is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing a surgical mask, and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is spread by airborne transmission.