The nurse is collecting a heel-stick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to discharging a 2-day-old patient.
When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?

Choice A rationale
Periodic sighing and shaking of the head can be signs of agitation and distress. These behaviors may indicate that the client is struggling to manage their emotions and may need additional support or intervention.
Choice B rationale
A decreased activity level and change in affect can be signs of many different mental health conditions, but they are not typically associated with agitation. Therefore, while these behaviors should be monitored, they are not the priority in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Repeated requests for attention from the nurse can be a sign of agitation. This behavior may indicate that the client is feeling distressed and is seeking help in managing their emotions.
Choice D rationale
Argumentativeness and use of profanity are clear signs of agitation. These behaviors can escalate quickly and may pose a risk to the safety of the client and others on the unit.
Therefore, these behaviors should be prioritized for monitoring.

Choice A rationale
Replacing the IV site with a smaller gauge is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation. The client’s confusion and picking at the dressing and tape are likely due to the dementia and increased confusion at night, known as “sundowning”. While a smaller gauge might be less noticeable to the client, it does not address the primary issue of the client’s confusion and restlessness at night.

Choice B rationale
Applying soft bilateral wrist restraints might be considered in some situations to prevent a confused client from removing necessary medical devices. However, restraints should be a last resort after all other interventions have been tried because they can increase agitation and confusion, and they pose a risk for injury.
Choice C rationale
Redressing the abdominal incision is the correct choice. The dressing is no longer occlusive, which means it’s not providing a proper barrier to bacteria. This could lead to an infection in the surgical site. The nurse should clean the area and apply a new sterile dressing.
Additionally, the nurse should continue to monitor the client’s behavior and implement interventions to reduce confusion and restlessness, such as reorienting the client and providing a quiet and calm environment.
Choice D rationale
Leaving the lights on in the room at night can actually increase confusion and agitation in clients with dementia. It can disrupt the client’s sleep-wake cycle and make “sundowning” worse. Therefore, this is not the most appropriate intervention.