For what reason might a newborn infant with a cardiac defect, such as coarctation of the aorta, receive prostaglandin E?

A. Rapid weight gain: While growth hormone can influence metabolism, rapid weight gain in a child with growth hormone deficiency may indicate fluid retention or overdosage rather than therapeutic effectiveness. Weight changes alone do not reflect linear growth improvement.

B. Complaints of headaches: Headaches can be a side effect of growth hormone therapy, potentially related to increased intracranial pressure or fluid shifts. They are not an indicator of therapeutic efficacy and may require dose adjustment or further evaluation.

C. Height increase of 4 inches: An increase in linear height reflects stimulation of bone growth at the epiphyseal growth plates, which is the primary goal of growth hormone therapy. Monitoring height velocity over months allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of the treatment accurately.

D. Growth plate closure: Closure of the epiphyseal growth plates signals the end of longitudinal bone growth. If growth plates close prematurely, it indicates that therapy can no longer increase height, representing a limitation rather than effectiveness of growth hormone treatment.

A. The woman should never be left alone with her infant: Postpartum psychosis involves severe mood changes, delusions, and impaired reality testing that can place both the mother and infant at risk. Close supervision is required due to the potential for harm related to hallucinations or disorganized thinking. Continuous monitoring helps ensure infant safety during the acute phase of illness.

B. Symptoms rarely last more than one week: Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that often persists for weeks to months without appropriate treatment. Symptom duration varies depending on severity and response to therapy. Minimizing the expected course may delay recognition of ongoing risk.

C. Clinical response to medications is usually poor: Postpartum psychosis generally responds well to antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and sometimes electroconvulsive therapy. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes and reduces relapse risk.

D. The woman must have her vitals assessed every two days: While physical monitoring may be part of care, vital sign assessment alone does not address the psychiatric and safety concerns of postpartum psychosis. Ongoing mental status evaluation and supervision are far more critical. Vital sign frequency is not a primary teaching point for families.