The nurse is preparing a 4-day-old infant with a serum bilirubin level of 19 mg/dL (325 µmol/L) for discharge from the hospital. When teaching the parents about home phototherapy, which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?

Total Bilirubin Reference Range: Newborn: 0.1 to 10.5 mg/dL (1.7 to 180 µmol/L)

Choice A reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are vital signs that should be monitored in any client, but they are not laboratory results. ESRD can cause hypertension and cardiovascular complications, so blood pressure and heart rate should be controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. Temperature should be monitored for signs of infection or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are not specific laboratory results for ESRD. Leukocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that indicate immune system activity and infection. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can affect the immune system and the thyroid function, but these are not the primary indicators of renal function.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are important laboratory results for ESRD. ESRD can cause electrolyte imbalances that can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and bones. Serum potassium can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Serum calcium can decrease due to impaired absorption and activation of vitamin D and cause muscle cramps, tetany, and osteoporosis. Serum phosphorus can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause soft tissue calcification and bone pain.

Choice D reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that measure red blood cell count, oxygen-carrying capacity, and blood volume. ESRD can cause anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, these are not the most significant laboratory results for ESRD.

Choice A reason: Inspecting feet every month for ingrown nails, cuts, and calluses is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this is not frequent enough for a client with diabetes who may have impaired sensation and circulation in their feet. The recommended frequency is daily or at least weekly. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason: Arranging diet schedule around three regular meals a day is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be adequate for a client with diabetes who needs to balance their carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels throughout the day. The recommended schedule is to have smaller and more frequent meals and snacks. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice C reason: Getting an eye examination with an ophthalmologist annually is a statement that indicates understanding, as this can help detect and prevent diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Using salt, herbs, and spices will improve the flavor of foods is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be healthy for a client with diabetes who needs to limit their sodium intake and avoid potential interactions between herbs and medications. The recommended strategy is to use low-sodium seasonings and natural flavors. This is another incorrect choice.