A nurse is collecting data from a 24-month-old toddler during an annual physical examination.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

This is outside of the expected reference range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 30 to 60 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate higher than 60 breaths per minute can indicate respiratory distress or infection.

Choice B is wrong because BP 64/42 mm Hg is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 65 to 85/45 to 55 mm Hg.

Choice C is wrong because Axillary temperature 36.6° C (97.9° F) is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 36.5 to 37.5° C (97.7 to 99.5° F).

Choice D is wrong because Apical heart rate 124/min is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 110 to 160 beats per minute.

This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.

Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.

Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.

Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure

condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.

Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:

• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
• Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
• Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
• Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week