A nurse is caring for a toddler who has acute laryngotracheobronchitis and has been placed in a cool mist tent. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the treatment is effective?

Choice A reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should be alert and responsive to stimuli. The nurse should assess the infant's level of consciousness and responsiveness using the AVPU scale (alert, voice, pain, unresponsive).

Choice B reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have warm and dry skin and a tone that is appropriate for their ethnicity. The nurse should assess the infant's skin color, temperature, moisture, and turgor.

Choice C reason: This statement is abnormal, as an infant who is 2 months old should not have a distended abdomen or a visible mass in the right upper quadrant. This could indicate a serious condition such as a liver tumor, a bowel obstruction, or a hernia. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the infant for signs of pain, vomiting, or jaundice.

Choice D reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have full range of motion in their extremities and no clicks noted. The nurse should assess the infant's muscle strength, tone, and symmetry, and check for any signs of hip dysplasia, such as a positive Barlow or Ortolani test.

Choice A reason: Applying and releasing elbow restraints every hour prevents the infant from touching or injuring the surgical site, while allowing some movement and circulation. This is a standard nursing intervention for infants who have undergone cleft palate repair.

Choice B reason: Keeping the infant supine is not recommended, as it increases the risk of aspiration and bleeding. The infant should be placed in a side-lying or upright position to facilitate drainage and prevent pressure on the suture line.

Choice C reason: Feeding the infant with a spoon for 48 hours is not necessary, as it may cause discomfort and trauma to the palate. The infant can be fed with a special nipple or a syringe with a rubber tip that delivers small amounts of formula or breast milk to the side of the mouth.

Choice D reason: Suctioning the mouth with an oral suction tube is contraindicated, as it may damage the palate and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should use a bulb syringe to gently suction the nose and mouth if needed.