What assessment finding would the nurse expect in an infant with coarctation of the aorta?

A. "Apply cold compresses when your child expresses pain." Cold can cause vasoconstriction, which may precipitate a sickle cell crisis by reducing blood flow to the extremities, thus increasing the risk of sickling of red blood cells. Warm compresses are recommended to help alleviate pain by promoting blood flow.
B. "Restrict outdoor play activity to 1 hour per day." While it's important to monitor physical activity to avoid overexertion, restricting outdoor play to a specific time frame without considering other factors like hydration and rest isn't the right approach. Physical activity is important but should be balanced with adequate hydration and rest.
C. "Monitor your child's temperature daily." While monitoring temperature is important, it isn't specifically critical on a daily basis unless there is a suspicion of infection. The primary focus should be on hydration and recognizing signs of infection.
D. "Offer fluids to your child multiple times every day." Hydration is crucial for children with sickle cell anemia as it helps to prevent sickling of cells by maintaining good blood flow and preventing dehydration, which can trigger a crisis.

A. Point of maximum impulse is shifted to the right. This is not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta, but with other cardiac abnormalities.
B. Weak or absent lower extremity pulses. Coarctation of the aorta causes narrowing of the aorta, which restricts blood flow to the lower body, leading to diminished pulses in the lower extremities.
C. Apical pulse is greater than radial pulse. This finding is not specifically related to coarctation of the aorta.
D. Systolic murmur at the left sternal border. While murmurs may be present, coarctation typically causes a murmur best heard in the back or left infraclavicular area.