A  parent brings their 2-month-old infant to the clinic to receive the recommended primary vaccines. Which instruction should the nurse provide the parent about care of the infant after the injections? 

Rationale

A. JVD is typically an indicator of increased central venous pressure and can be associated with heart failure or fluid overload. In this scenario, flat JVD suggests decreased venous return, which may exacerbate the client's hypotension. While important, it may not be the most immediate concern compared to other options.

B. Changes in consciousness, such as confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness, are critical signs that indicate poor cerebral perfusion. In this case, the rapid ventricular rate and possibly inadequate cardiac output may not be meeting cerebral perfusion needs, leading to altered mental status. This finding requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration.

C. Nausea and vomiting can indicate inadequate perfusion to the gastrointestinal tract due to hypotension or impaired cardiac output. While important to assess for fluid and electrolyte balance, it is less urgent compared to potential changes in mental status or perfusion to vital organs.

D. A sudden onset headache can be indicative of various issues, including hypertension, cerebral ischemia, or intracranial hemorrhage. However, in the context of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and hypotension, other neurological signs such as altered mental status or focal neurological deficits would typically be more concerning.

Rationale

A. The complement system is part of the immune response and can be activated in various conditions, including sepsis. However, activation of complement pathways does not directly cause DIC. Instead, in septic shock, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue factor can trigger systemic coagulation activation, leading to DIC.

B. Inhibition of red blood cell production, such as in conditions like aplastic anemia or certain types of bone marrow disorders, does not directly cause DIC. DIC is primarily a disorder of excessive activation of clotting factors in response to underlying conditions like sepsis, trauma, or cancer.

C. Production of extra platelets, or thrombocytosis, is not the cause of DIC. Thrombocytosis can occur in response to various conditions, but DIC involves consumption of platelets due to widespread activation of clotting within the vasculature.

D. DIC is characterized by the widespread consumption and depletion of clotting factors and platelets as they are used up in the formation of microthrombi throughout the bloodstream. This depletion leads to an increased risk of bleeding due to insufficient clotting factors remaining to maintain hemostasis.