A 6-week-old infant with pyloric stenosis is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?

Choice A reason: Centering attention on positive upbeat music is not a specific instruction for the nurse to include, as this is a general coping strategy that may or may not be helpful for this client. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B reason: Finding outlets for more social interaction is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to include, as this may not address the underlying causes of anxiety or stress for this client. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C reason: Practicing using muscle relaxation techniques is an appropriate instruction for the nurse to include, as this can help reduce physical tension and promote calmness and relaxation for this client. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Thinking about reasons the episodes occur is not a helpful instruction for the nurse to include, as this can increase rumination and anxiety for this client. This is another distractor choice.

Choice A reason: Flushed, peeling skin is not a specific finding for scarlet fever. Flushed, peeling skin can be caused by various factors, such as sunburn, dehydration, allergic reaction, or infection. Scarlet fever is a condition that results from a Streptococcal infection in the throat or skin that produces toxins that cause a rash and fever. The rash usually begins on the neck and chest and then spreads to other parts of the body.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because red bumps across chest are a characteristic finding for scarlet fever. Red bumps across chest are part of the rash that develops due to toxins produced by Streptococcal bacteria. The rash usually feels like sandpaper and may be accompanied by itching or burning sensations. The rash typically lasts for about a week and then fades, leaving behind peeling skin.

Choice C reason: White coating on tongue is not a clear indication for scarlet fever. White coating on tongue can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, poor oral hygiene, fungal infection, or inflammation. Scarlet fever may cause white patches or red spots on the tongue, but this is not a distinctive feature of scarlet fever.

Choice D reason: High, protracted fever is not a unique finding for scarlet fever. High, protracted fever can be caused by various factors, such as infection, inflammation, dehydration, or immunological disorder. Scarlet fever may cause high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C), but this is not a definitive sign of scarlet fever.