A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old adolescent who has cellulitis of the left lower calf.

The nurse is assessing the adolescent 24 hr after the initial visit. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is an indication of potential improvement or an indication of potential worsening condition. There must be at least 1 selection in every row. There does not need to be a selection in every column.

A. Swaddle the toddler in a blanket. While swaddling may be comforting, it does not effectively prevent the toddler from reaching the incision site. Elbow restraints are a more appropriate choice for limiting arm movement and protecting the incision site.

B. Place the toddler in bilateral elbow restraints. Bilateral elbow restraints are commonly used after cleft lip and palate repair to prevent the toddler from touching or disrupting the incision site. These restraints help protect the surgical area while allowing the child to maintain some mobility.

C. Place the child in a mummy restraint. A mummy restraint (wrapping the child tightly) may be too restrictive and can cause distress, as it limits the child's ability to move freely. Elbow restraints are typically a better choice to prevent injury to the surgical site while still allowing some movement.

D. Obtain a prescription for lorazepam. Lorazepam is a sedative and would not be the first-line approach to managing the child's need to prevent touching the incision site. Using physical restraints is a safer and more effective option.

A. "Provide chicken or beef broth until the diarrhea subsides." Broth can be high in sodium, which is not ideal for rehydrating a child with diarrhea. Clear fluids and oral rehydration solutions are better choices.

B. "Encourage intake of carbonated beverages diluted with water." Carbonated beverages can irritate the stomach and exacerbate diarrhea. Instead, clear fluids or oral rehydration solutions are recommended.

C. "Provide the child with a bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet." The BRAT diet is outdated and not recommended anymore because it lacks essential nutrients. Instead, the child should be provided with a balanced diet, including foods like rice, potatoes, and lean meats, along with fluids for rehydration.

D. "Administer oral hydration solution after each diarrheal stool." Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Administering ORS after each stool helps prevent dehydration, which is a common complication of diarrhea.