A newborn with transposition of the great arteries, a life threatening cardiac defect, is being admitted to the unit. The nurse should anticipate an order to administer

Rationale:

A. Encourage peers to call and visit when the adolescent's condition allows: Social connections are vital for adolescents’ emotional well-being and identity development. Encouraging peer interaction helps reduce feelings of isolation and supports coping during hospitalization.

B. Ask the parents how the adolescent usually copes in new situations: While parents can provide useful information, involving the adolescent directly respects their growing autonomy and helps tailor interventions to their personal coping style.

C. Discourage questions and concerns about the effects of the illness on the adolescent's appearance: Adolescents are often highly concerned about body image. Discouraging these concerns can damage trust and hinder open communication.

D. Be sure the adolescent wears a hospital gown or pajamas throughout the hospitalization: Adolescents typically desire privacy and autonomy, including control over their clothing. Allowing them to wear their own clothes when possible promotes dignity and comfort.

Rationale:

A. Digoxin: Digoxin is used to improve cardiac contractility and manage heart failure symptoms, but it does not promote closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). It may be part of supportive care but is not the primary treatment for PDA.

B. Prostaglandin: Prostaglandins keep the ductus arteriosus open, which is useful in some congenital heart defects requiring ductal patency. However, in PDA, the goal is to close the ductus, so prostaglandin administration would be contraindicated.

C. Furosemide: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload and heart failure symptoms but does not affect ductus arteriosus closure. It may be used adjunctively if heart failure develops.

D. Indomethacin: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, promoting closure of the patent ductus arteriosus. It is the first-line medication used to medically close PDA in neonates.