An 18-month-old child returned from the cardiac cath lab 1/2 hour ago. The child wakes up and begins crying. The nurse notices that the pressure dressing is becoming saturated with blood. The nurse's first action should be to:

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as sodium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Sodium excess, or hypernatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is too high, which can result from excessive intake or loss of water. The symptoms of sodium excess may include thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, or coma.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as overhydration is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Overhydration, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body has too much fluid, which can result from excessive intake or retention of water. The symptoms of overhydration may include edema, weight gain, shortness of breath, or crackles in the lungs.

Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as dehydration is the most likely cause of the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate intake of water. The symptoms of dehydration may include dry skin, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, or lethargy.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as calcium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Calcium excess, or hypercalcemia, is a condition where the blood calcium level is too high, which can result from hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium. The symptoms of calcium excess may include nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, or kidney stones.

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as most infants are ready to start solid foods when they are 4 to 6 months old, depending on their individual growth and readiness. The nurse should explain to the parents that some signs of readiness include being able to hold the head up, sit with support, show interest in food, and move food from the spoon to the throat.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as 2 to 3 months is too early to introduce solid foods to infants, as their digestive system and swallowing skills are not mature enough to handle them. The nurse should advise the parents to avoid giving solid foods before 4 months of age, as it can increase the risk of choking, allergies, obesity, and iron deficiency.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as 1 year is too late to introduce solid foods to infants, as they need more nutrients and calories than breast milk or formula alone can provide. The nurse should inform the parents that delaying solid foods beyond 6 months of age can lead to growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies, and feeding difficulties.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as 10 to 11 months is too late to introduce solid foods to infants, as they need more nutrients and calories than breast milk or formula alone can provide. The nurse should inform the parents that delaying solid foods beyond 6 months of age can lead to growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies, and feeding difficulties.