A nurse is providing education to parents of a child with a congenital heart defect.
Select all appropriate nursing interventions for parents to promote their child's well-being.

Choice A rationale:

Echocardiography Echocardiography is the most appropriate diagnostic test for assessing the size and shape of the heart and detecting associated abnormalities in a child with a suspected congenital heart defect.

It uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about the heart's structure and function.

It is non-invasive and safe, making it an excellent choice for initial evaluation.

Choice B rationale:

Electrocardiography (ECG) Electrocardiography (ECG) is a valuable test for assessing the electrical activity of the heart, including rhythm and conduction abnormalities.

However, it does not provide detailed information about the size and shape of the heart or structural abnormalities.

ECG is often used in conjunction with other tests like echocardiography.

Choice C rationale:

Chest X-ray A chest X-ray can provide some information about the heart's size and shape but is not as detailed as echocardiography.

It is often used as an initial screening tool but is not the primary diagnostic test for assessing congenital heart defects and their associated abnormalities.

Choice D rationale:

Cardiac catheterization Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves threading a thin tube (catheter) through blood vessels into the heart.

It is primarily used to obtain detailed hemodynamic information and to perform interventions such as closing defects or dilating narrowed blood vessels.

While it can be valuable in certain situations, it is not the initial diagnostic test of choice for assessing the size and shape of the heart in a child with a suspected congenital heart defect.

Assessing for signs of infection or bleeding at the surgical site.

Choice A rationale:

Administering herbal supplements to aid in healing is not a key nursing intervention in post-operative care for a child who has undergone heart surgery.

The use of herbal supplements should be carefully considered and discussed with the healthcare team, as they may interact with medications or affect the child's recovery.

However, it's not a primary nursing intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the child's growth and development is an important aspect of pediatric care, but it is not the key nursing intervention during the immediate post-operative period.

The primary focus in this phase is on assessing for immediate post-surgical complications and ensuring the child's stability and recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Ensuring the child maintains complete bed rest is not a recommended intervention in the post-operative care of a child who has undergone heart surgery.

While some restrictions on physical activity may be necessary, complete bed rest is generally not advisable.

Mobilization, as appropriate, is essential to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing for signs of infection or bleeding at the surgical site is a key nursing intervention during the post-operative period.

Infection and bleeding are immediate post-operative complications that can have serious consequences.

Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

Nursing assessments focus on monitoring vital signs, wound appearance, and any signs of infection or bleeding.