A nurse is conducting discharge and teaches parents about the care of their infant after cardiac surgery.

The nurse instructs the parents to notify the physician if the conditions occur. (Select all that apply.)

The parents should notify the physician if the infant has a temperature above 37.7° C (100° F), new frequent coughing, or turning blue or bluer

than normal. These are signs of infection, respiratory distress, or cyanosis, which could indicate complications after cardiac surgery.

Choice A is wrong because a respiratory rate of 36 breaths/minute at rest is within the normal range for an infant.

Choice B is wrong because an appetite slowly increasing is a positive sign of recovery and does not require immediate attention.

“You may need to increase the caloric density of your infant’s formula.” This is because infants with heart failure have increased metabolic needs and may not be able to consume enough volume to meet their nutritional requirements. Increasing the caloric density of the formula can help them achieve adequate growth and development without overloading their heart.

Choice B is wrong because feeding the baby every 2 hours may cause fatigue and dehydration. Infants with heart failure should be fed every 3 to 4 hours or on demand.

Choice C is wrong because increasing the amount of formula may cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Infants with heart failure should be fed small, frequent amounts of formula.

Choice D is wrong because placing a nasal oxygen cannula on the infant during and after each feeding may not be necessary or beneficial. Oxygen therapy should be prescribed by a physician based on the infant’s oxygen saturation levels and clinical signs of hypoxia.