A nurse is teaching parents about caring for their infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which statements by the parents indicate understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Massaging around the incision site is not recommended post-cleft lip/palate repair, as it can disrupt sutures, impair healing, and increase infection risk. Gentle care and protection of the surgical site are prioritized to maintain skin integrity, making this an incorrect teaching point for parents.

Choice B reason: Hourly bulb syringe suctioning is excessive and not standard for cleft lip/palate repair recovery. Suctioning is used sparingly to clear secretions, as frequent use can irritate the surgical site, risking trauma and infection, making this an incorrect teaching point for maintaining skin integrity.

Choice C reason: Soft elbow restraints prevent the infant from touching or scratching the surgical site when unsupervised, protecting sutures and promoting healing. This reduces the risk of infection and trauma, maintaining skin integrity, making it a correct and essential teaching point for post-repair care.

Choice D reason: Prone positioning while awake increases pressure on the repaired cleft lip/palate, risking suture disruption and impaired healing. Supine or side-lying positions are preferred to protect the surgical site, making this an incorrect and potentially harmful teaching point for maintaining skin integrity.

Choice E reason: Cleansing the suture site and applying antibiotic ointment as needed prevents infection and promotes healing by keeping the area clean and moist. This standard post-surgical care maintains skin integrity and supports recovery, making it a correct and essential teaching point for parents.

Choice A reason: Viral infections are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics targeting bacterial cell walls or metabolic processes. Administering intravenous antibiotics for a viral communicable disease is inappropriate, risks promoting antibiotic resistance, and provides no therapeutic benefit. Analgesics may relieve symptoms, but their combination with antibiotics is incorrect for viral management.

Choice B reason: Supportive care, including pain management and comfort measures, is essential for pediatric patients with viral infections. These interventions alleviate symptoms like fever, myalgia, or headache, promote rest, and support the immune system’s natural response to the virus, making this a standard and appropriate approach in managing viral illnesses effectively.

Choice C reason: Administering intravenous fluids and monitoring hydration and nutrition are critical for pediatric patients with viral diseases. Fever, vomiting, or reduced oral intake can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, compromising recovery. Maintaining fluid balance and nutritional status supports the immune system, making this intervention necessary and appropriate for viral infection management.

Choice D reason: Implementing isolation precautions is vital for viral communicable diseases to prevent transmission to other patients, staff, or visitors. Depending on the virus, precautions like droplet or airborne isolation (e.g., masks or negative pressure rooms) are used, making this a critical intervention to control disease spread in healthcare settings effectively.