A child has been prescribed loratadine 5 mg to be taken orally once a day.

The bottle is labeled “Loratadine for Oral Suspension, USP 5 mg per 5 mL.”. How many teaspoons should the nurse instruct the parent to give with each dose?

Choice A rationale
Using a disposable moist wipe to remove eye crusts can be helpful, but it’s not the most important instruction for caregivers. The crusts are a symptom of the infection, and while removing them can make the child more comfortable, it doesn’t address the underlying issue.
Choice B rationale
When using an ophthalmic anti-infective ointment, it is important to prepare the child for blurry vision after ointment application. This is because the ointment can temporarily blur vision after application. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication label and continue using the ointment for the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before then.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to keep the eye area clean, wiping towards the opposite eye could potentially spread the infection. Therefore, this is not the best advice for caregivers.
Choice D rationale
Discontinuing the ointment once drainage resolves could lead to an incomplete treatment of the infection. It’s crucial to use the ointment for the full course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if symptoms seem to improve.

= Answer is... Choice A. Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area.

Choice A rationale:

In the case of the 3-month-old infant presenting with difficulty sleeping through the night, severe skin breakdown in the diaper area is the most significant finding requiring attention in care planning for this family. Diaper dermatitis, characterized by erythema, edema, and erosion of the skin in the diaper region, can cause considerable discomfort and distress to the infant. Moreover, severe skin breakdown increases the risk of secondary infections and exacerbates the infant's discomfort, potentially impacting sleep patterns and overall well-being.

Diaper dermatitis often results from prolonged exposure to urine and feces, friction, and the occlusive environment created by diapers. The acidic pH of urine and feces, coupled with the breakdown of urea into ammonia, contributes to skin irritation and inflammation. Additionally, the warm, moist environment beneath the diaper provides an ideal breeding ground for microbial overgrowth, further exacerbating skin damage.

Management of severe diaper dermatitis involves a multifaceted approach, including frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing of the affected area, application of barrier creams or ointments, and promotion of air exposure to facilitate healing. In severe cases, topical corticosteroids or antifungal agents may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary infections.

Preventing and managing diaper dermatitis is essential not only for alleviating the infant's discomfort but also for promoting uninterrupted sleep patterns. Discomfort associated with diaper rash can lead to increased irritability and difficulty settling down for sleep, contributing to sleep disturbances for both the infant and the caregiver. By addressing the underlying cause of the skin breakdown and implementing appropriate interventions, healthcare providers can support the family in improving the infant's comfort and sleep quality.

Choice B rationale:

The mother stating that the baby is irritable during feedings is indeed noteworthy and may indicate various underlying issues, such as feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal discomfort, or inadequate milk supply. However, while irritability during feedings can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns, it is not as directly relevant to the immediate concern of severe skin breakdown in the diaper area. Nonetheless, addressing feeding concerns is essential for optimizing the infant's nutritional intake and overall well-being.

Choice C rationale:

The mother being a single parent and living with her parents provides contextual information about the family's social support structure but is not directly related to the infant's difficulty sleeping through the night or the significant finding of severe skin breakdown in the diaper area. While family dynamics and support systems play a crucial role in caregiving and may influence the implementation of care strategies, they do not directly address the infant's current health issue.

Choice D rationale:

The fact that the infant's formula has been changed twice may indicate attempts to address feeding-related concerns or suspected formula intolerance. While changes in formula may impact the infant's gastrointestinal comfort and feeding patterns, they do not directly address the primary concern of severe skin breakdown in the diaper area. Nonetheless, evaluating the appropriateness of the current formula and addressing any feeding-related issues remain important aspects of comprehensive care for the infant.