A client brings their toddler to the clinic due to recurrent respiratory infections. The child often presents with a harsh, loud, and continuous heart murmur. What should the nurse recognize about this clinical presentation?

A) This option is incorrect. While some individuals with congenital heart diseases may remain asymptomatic, others can experience symptoms depending on the type and severity of the condition.

B) This option is incorrect. Congenital heart diseases are present from birth, and symptoms may manifest shortly after birth or during infancy, childhood, or adolescence.

C) Correct answer. Common symptoms of congenital heart diseases can include cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or lips due to poor oxygenation), fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may arise due to poor blood circulation and oxygenation.

D) This option is incorrect. Congenital heart diseases do not typically present with mild cold-like symptoms and fever. These are more indicative of common respiratory infections, unrelated to heart conditions.

A) The answer is A. Monitoring urine output closely is essential postoperatively to assess kidney perfusion and fluid balance, as infants are at risk of fluid shifts after cardiac surgery.

B) Incorrect. While administering prescribed analgesics is important for postoperative pain management, it is not the priority intervention among the options provided.

C) Incorrect. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is important to prevent respiratory complications, but it is not the priority intervention immediately after cardiac surgery.

D) Incorrect. Elevating the head of the bed can help with respiratory effort, but it is not the priority intervention. Monitoring urine output and fluid balance is more critical in the early postoperative period.