The nurse is preparing a 4-day-old infant with a serum bilirubin level of 19 mg/dL (325 µmol/L) for discharge from the hospital. When teaching the parents about home phototherapy, which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?

Total Bilirubin Reference Range: Newborn: 0.1 to 10.5 mg/dL (1.7 to 180 µmol/L)

Choice B is correct because sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet. Canned foods often contain high amounts of sodium as a preservative, which can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods or rinse them before eating.

Choice C is correct because salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet by reducing sodium intake. Salt substitutes are products that contain potassium chloride or other ingredients that mimic the taste of salt but have less or no sodium. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and check with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney problems or take certain medications.

Choice D is correct because weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes. Being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure and strain the heart and blood vessels. The nurse should advise the client to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet.

Choice F is correct because uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their function, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medications as directed.

Choice A is incorrect because alcohol consumption can produce vascular changes that increase blood pressure. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure temporarily, but also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which raises blood pressure over time. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice E is incorrect because blood pressure readings should not be taken at noontime. Blood pressure readings should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before dinner, when blood pressure is usually lower and more stable. The nurse should advise the client to avoid taking blood pressure readings when they are stressed, anxious, or have just exercised or eaten.

Choice B is correct because monitoring abdominal girth is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause portal hypertension, which is an increased pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. Portal hypertension can lead to ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The nurse should measure and record the abdominal girth daily and report any significant changes.

Choice C is correct because reporting serum albumin and globulin levels is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can impair the synthesis of proteins, such as albumin and globulin, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance, immune function, and blood clotting. The nurse should monitor and report the serum albumin and globulin levels and administer supplements or transfusions as prescribed.

Choice D is correct because noting signs of bleeding and edema is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause coagulopathy, which is a disorder of blood clotting, due to reduced production of clotting factors and increased consumption of platelets. Coagulopathy can lead to bleeding from various sites, such as the gums, nose, esophagus, stomach, or rectum. The nurse should observe and report any signs of bleeding and apply pressure or bandages as needed. Cirrhosis of the liver can also cause hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood, due to decreased synthesis or increased loss of albumin. Hypoalbuminemia can lead to edema, which is swelling caused by fluid retention in the tissues. The nurse should assess and report any signs of edema and elevate the affected limbs or apply compression stockings as indicated.

Choice E is correct because limiting fluid intake to 1500 mL daily is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Fluid restriction can help prevent or reduce ascites and edema by decreasing the fluid load on the circulatory system and the kidneys. The nurse should measure and record the fluid intake and output and educate the client on how to limit their fluid intake.

Choice A is incorrect because providing a diet low in phosphorus is not a specific intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. A diet low in phosphorus may be indicated for clients with chronic kidney disease or hyperphosphatemia, but not for clients with cirrhosis of the liver. The nurse should provide a diet that is high in calories, carbohydrates, and protein, but low in sodium, fat, and alcohol for clients with cirrhosis of the liver.