A nurse on a cardiac care unit is caring for a preschooler.

Hospital Day 1, 17:38:

Medication Administration Record.

20:15:

Received 4-year-old child with an exacerbation of heart failure.

Family reports history of congenital mitral stenosis.

Breath sounds with wheezing noted in bilateral lower lobes.

Nonproductive cough noted.

Dyspnea with respiratory rate 30/min.

Oxygen at 2 L/min applied per nasal cannula.

Telemetry applied:

Sinus rhythm at rate 116/min.

Abdomen soft, nontender.

Bowel sounds positive in all 4 quadrants.

Lower extremities with 2+ edema noted.

Pedal pulses palpable bilaterally.

Peripheral saline lock intact to right forearm with no signs and symptoms of infection.

Weight 26 kg (44 lb).

Increase in dyspnea noted with orthopnea.

Nasal flaring with respiratory rate of 36/min. Lung sounds with wheezing noted throughout.

Lower extremity edema 3+ to bilateral lower extremities.

Extremities cool with decreased skin pigmentation noted.

Peripheral pulses weak bilaterally.

Jugular vein distention noted.

Provider notified.

Received prescription for additional dose of furosemide.

The client is at risk for developing:

Choice A rationale
Hypercyanotic spells, also known as “tet spells,” are typically associated with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. The child in this scenario has congenital mitral stenosis, not Tetralogy of Fallot, making hypercyanotic spells less likely.
Choice B rationale
A murmur is a sound made by turbulent blood flow within the heart. While the child may have a murmur due to congenital mitral stenosis, it is not a direct risk associated with the exacerbation of heart failure. The primary concern here is the risk of digitalis toxicity due to the administration of furosemide.
Choice C rationale
Digitalis toxicity is a significant risk for this child. Furosemide, a diuretic, can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Symptoms of digitalis toxicity include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and arrhythmias.
Choice D rationale
Dependent rubor is a reddish-blue discoloration of the extremities, typically associated with peripheral arterial disease. It is not directly related to heart failure or the administration of furosemide.
Choice E rationale
Fever is not a typical complication of heart failure or the administration of furosemide. It is more commonly associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
Choice F rationale
Carditis, or inflammation of the heart, is not a direct risk associated with the exacerbation of heart failure or the administration of furosemide. The primary concern remains digitalis toxicity.