The nurse is caring for a one-month-old infant admitted for suspected congenital hypothyroidism. Which diagnostic test results should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Choice A reason: Flaring of the nares is a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. It indicates that the child is using the accessory muscles of the nose to breathe, which is a sign of increased work of breathing. Flaring of the nares may be accompanied by other signs of respiratory distress, such as retractions, grunting, or cyanosis. The nurse should report this finding to the health care provider and monitor the child's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and level of consciousness.

Choice B reason: Diaphragmatic respirations are not a specific sign of acute respiratory distress in children. They are a normal pattern of breathing in infants and young children, who use their diaphragm more than their chest muscles to breathe. Diaphragmatic respirations may become more pronounced when the child is crying, feeding, or sleeping, but they are not indicative of respiratory distress.

Choice C reason: A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min is not a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. It is within the normal range for a 1-year-old child, who typically has a respiratory rate of 20 to 40 breaths/min. A resting respiratory rate of more than 60 breaths/min may be a sign of respiratory distress in children, especially if it is associated with other symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or nasal flaring.

Choice D reason: Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are not a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. They are normal breath sounds that are heard over the trachea and the large bronchi. They are loud and high-pitched, and have a longer expiratory phase than inspiratory phase. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds do not indicate any lung pathology or obstruction.

Choice A reason: Scheduling the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck is not a priority action for the nurse. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the internal structures of the body. MRI of the neck may be useful to rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as tumors, abscesses, or foreign bodies, but it is not an urgent procedure. Moreover, MRI requires the child to lie still for a long time, which may be difficult or impossible for a child who is anxious and in respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Providing a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators is not a suitable action for the nurse. Nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators may be helpful for children with respiratory distress caused by asthma, bronchiolitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child.

Choice C reason: Obtaining bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action for the nurse. Intubation is a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure the airway and provide ventilation. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube into the trachea to bypass the upper airway obstruction. Both procedures are life-saving interventions for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child. The nurse should prepare the necessary equipment and assist the healthcare provider in performing these procedures.

Choice D reason: Beginning prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration is not a relevant action for the nurse. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics may be indicated for children with respiratory distress caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by non-infectious causes, such as foreign bodies, anaphylaxis, or congenital anomalies. Moreover, antibiotics are not an immediate intervention for respiratory distress, as they take time to exert their effects.