The nurse is preparing to discharge an 18-month-old patient who has been in the hospital for repair of a cleft palate. Which statement is most appropriate for discharge teaching with the patient's mother?

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the patient's breathing pattern at 15-minute intervals is crucial in an unconscious patient who may have ingested alcohol or drugs, as it helps assess their respiratory status. This intervention ensures early detection of any respiratory distress and guides necessary interventions.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter for straight drainage is appropriate for unconscious patients to monitor their urinary output and renal function. This helps prevent urinary retention and complications related to inadequate urine elimination.

Choice C rationale:

Administering IV D5/45 NS at 100 mL/hr is a suitable intervention to maintain the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. It prevents dehydration and supports hemodynamic stability.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should question the prescription of syrup of ipecac. Ipecac is no longer recommended for use in cases of poisoning due to its potential to cause adverse effects like aspiration, electrolyte imbalances, and delayed treatment. Activated charcoal or gastric lavage may be more appropriate in this situation.

Choice A rationale:

Pancreatic enzymes are used to aid in digestion and are not known to interact significantly with serum creatinine levels. Therefore, they are unlikely to be contraindicated based solely on an elevated serum creatinine level.

Choice B rationale:

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate potential renal impairment, which could lead to reduced drug clearance and an increased risk of gentamicin toxicity, including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Consulting the health care provider before administering gentamicin is important to ensure the appropriateness of the medication dosage and regimen.

Choice C rationale:

Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat respiratory conditions. Serum creatinine levels are not directly related to albuterol administration. It is unlikely that an elevated serum creatinine level would significantly affect the administration of albuterol.

Choice D rationale:

Carbenicillin is an antibiotic that is excreted through the kidneys. While renal function may impact the dosing of carbenicillin, an elevated serum creatinine level alone may not necessarily warrant consultation with the health care provider. Other factors such as the severity of renal impairment and the patient's overall condition would need to be considered.