A nurse is collecting data from a child who is 1 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

A. Amyloid plaque: Amyloid plaque buildup is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, a chronic, progressive form of dementia. While dementia can increase the overall risk for delirium, amyloid plaques themselves are not an immediate trigger for acute confusion like delirium.

B. Urinary tract infection: Urinary tract infections are a common reversible cause of delirium, especially in older adults. Infections can trigger a systemic inflammatory response and disrupt normal brain function, leading to sudden-onset confusion, disorientation, and restlessness due to systemic inflammation and changes in metabolic balance.

C. High cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to long-term cardiovascular risks, such as atherosclerosis and stroke, but it is not directly linked to the sudden cognitive changes seen in delirium. It does not cause the acute neurological dysfunction characteristic of delirium.

D. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, may reflect underlying sleep disorders or other chronic conditions, but it is not recognized as a common direct cause of delirium. Acute changes in mental status are more often tied to factors like infection, medications, or metabolic disturbances.

A. "Check the water temperature with your finger": Checking water temperature with a finger is unreliable because fingers may tolerate higher temperatures without discomfort. It is recommended to use the inside of the wrist or a thermometer to ensure the water is warm but not hot, typically around 100°F (37.8°C), to prevent burns.

B. "Hold your baby under running water when washing his hair": Holding a newborn under running water is unsafe because it can cause sudden chilling, difficulty breathing, or even slipping. Instead, caregivers should use a damp, warm washcloth or gently pour water over the baby's head while securely supporting it.

C. "Cleanse the eyes from the inner canthus outward": Cleaning from the inner to the outer canthus is correct technique because it prevents introducing contaminants into the tear duct. This motion also minimizes the spread of bacteria, reducing the risk of eye infections in the delicate eyes of a newborn.

D. "Set the water heater to 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit": A water heater set to 125.6°F presents a high risk of scald burns in infants. Safety guidelines recommend setting the water heater to no higher than 120°F (48.9°C) to reduce the risk of accidental burns during bathing or household water use.