A 6-week-old infant with poor weight gain is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?

Choice B reason: Emotional conflict due to stress is not a specific problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Emotional conflict is a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone, such as family, work, or self. Stress is a response to any physical, psychological, or environmental demand that exceeds one's coping resources. The nurse should assess the client's sources of stress and conflict and help him manage them.

Choice C reason: Deficient knowledge of MI lifestyle changes is not a primary problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Deficient knowledge is a state of lacking information or understanding about something, such as disease process, treatment options, or self-care measures. Lifestyle changes are modifications in one's habits or behaviors that promote health and well-being, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, or stress management. The nurse should assess the client's learning needs and readiness and provide appropriate education.

Choice D reason: Anxiety related to treatment plan is not an evident problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, worry, or fear that interferes with one's normal functioning or well-being. Treatment plan is a set of goals, interventions, and outcomes that guide the care of a client with a specific health problem, such as MI. The nurse should assess the client's level of anxiety and provide information and reassurance about his treatment plan.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because seizure precautions are not indicated for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not lower the seizure threshold or cause convulsions.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because monitoring serum potassium frequently is not necessary for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect potassium levels or cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.

Choice C reason: This is correct because ensuring pump accuracy to prevent toxicity is essential for dopamine administration. Dopamine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can cause tissue necrosis, gangrene, and hypertension if overdosed.

Choice D reason: Dopamine is given to hypotensive patients, meaning they may be weak, dizzy, or at risk of falls.Ambulating frequently could worsen hypotension and increase fall risk rather than help the patient. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient’s hemodynamic status and ensure bed rest as needed until blood pressure stabilizes.