A nurse in a community center is providing an in-service for parents about nutritional guidelines. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: A 24-gauge catheter is appropriate for a small and fragile vein of a 12-month-old infant. It minimizes the risk of damaging the vein and ensures the comfort of the infant during IV therapy.

Choice B reason: Starting an IV in the infant's foot is not the first choice due to the risk of movement dislodging the catheter. The hand or the antecubital fossa are preferred sites for IV insertion in infants.

Choice C reason: While it is important to cover the IV insertion site, an opaque dressing is not necessary. A transparent dressing is preferred as it allows for continuous visibility of the site for signs of infection or phlebitis.

Choice D reason: The IV site should not be routinely changed every 3 days. It should be changed based on clinical indications such as signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis, or if the IV becomes dislodged.

Choice A reason: Assessing vital signs every 4 hours is important, but it is not specific to the care of an infant post-cardiac catheterization. Vital signs should be monitored according to the infant's condition and hospital policy.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the color of the affected extremity is crucial after cardiac catheterization to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could indicate a vascular injury or thrombosis at the catheterization site.

Choice C reason: Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status for 8 hours may be necessary before the procedure, but post-catheterization care typically includes gradual reintroduction of fluids and then food as tolerated.

Choice D reason: Keeping the affected extremity flexed is not recommended post-cardiac catheterization. The limb should be kept straight to avoid bending at the catheterization site, which could lead to bleeding or clot formation.