A nurse is assessing a toddler who has infective endocarditis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Thicken the infant's formula with cereal: Thickening the infant's formula with cereal can help reduce the likelihood of regurgitation by increasing its viscosity and promoting better gastric emptying. This can help decrease the frequency and severity of gastroesophageal reflux episodes.

B. Avoid giving the infant citrus juices: Citrus juices are acidic and can exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants. Avoiding citrus juices can help reduce the acidity of the stomach contents, potentially decreasing the likelihood of regurgitation.

C. Position the child with their head elevated after meals: Keeping the infant in an upright position with the head elevated after meals can help prevent regurgitation by reducing the likelihood of gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus. This position facilitates gravity-assisted digestion and minimizes pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

D. Place the infant's head on a soft pillow while sleeping: Placing the infant's head on a soft pillow while sleeping is not recommended as it increases the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Infants should always be placed on their back to sleep in a flat, firm surface without pillows or soft bedding to reduce the risk of adverse events.

E. Administer an antiemetic to the infant: Administering an antiemetic to the infant is not typically indicated for the management of gastroesophageal reflux in infants, especially as a preventive measure. Antiemetics may have potential side effects and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider for specific indications.

A. Administer packed red blood cells transfusion (PRBC):

While anemia may also be a concern in leukemia, the primary issue here is thrombocytopenia, not anemia. Administering packed red blood cells transfusion would address anemia, not the low platelet count.

B. Avoid taking rectal temperatures:

This is the correct option. Taking rectal temperatures carries the risk of causing bleeding or trauma, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia. It is essential to avoid invasive procedures or activities that may increase the risk of bleeding in a patient with a low platelet count.

C. Place child in protective environment precautions:

Protective environment precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are typically implemented for patients who are immunocompromised to protect them from exposure to infectious agents. While patients with leukemia may be immunocompromised, the low platelet count is the primary concern here, not infection risk.

D. Swab the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine:

Swabbing the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine is not indicated for thrombocytopenia. Lidocaine may have local anesthetic properties but does not address the underlying issue of low platelet count.