A nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions with the parents of an infant who has been prescribed home oxygen and pulse oximetry monitoring.
Which statement by the parents suggests that further instruction is needed?

Choice A rationale:

Mitral valve stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrowing of the mitral valve in the heart, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of mitral valve stenosis is a heart murmur. This is due to the turbulent flow of blood caused by the narrowed valve. The murmur is typically heard during a physical examination when a healthcare provider listens to the heart with a stethoscope.

Choice B rationale:

Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with mitral valve stenosis. While mitral valve stenosis can cause irregular heart rhythms, it does not typically cause the heart rate to slow down.

Choice C rationale:

Clubbing of the fingers is a physical symptom that involves changes in the areas under and around the nails and is typically associated with conditions that cause chronic low blood oxygen levels. While mitral valve stenosis can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, it does not typically cause clubbing of the fingers.

Choice D rationale:

A barrel chest, characterized by an increased chest diameter, is typically associated with conditions that cause chronic overinflation of the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not a typical symptom of mitral valve stenosis.

In conclusion, while mitral valve stenosis can lead to a variety of symptoms, the most relevant to this question is a heart murmur. Other symptoms such as bradycardia, clubbing of the fingers, and a barrel chest are not typically associated with this condition.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Applying four drops of developing solution to each stool specimen is incorrect. Typically, the test requires two drops of solution. Following manufacturer instructions ensures accurate results and prevents unnecessary waste or inaccurate readings.

Choice B rationale: Using toilet paper to transfer the stool specimen is improper. Stool should be collected using the provided applicator stick to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the fecal occult blood test.

Choice C rationale: Waiting 30 seconds after applying the developing solution allows the chemical reaction to complete, ensuring accurate detection of any occult blood present in the stool sample.

Choice D rationale: Collecting two stool specimens from the same area increases the risk of missing occult blood present in different parts of the stool. Sampling from multiple areas enhances test accuracy and ensures comprehensive results.