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: This is the correct answer because applying the client's positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Positive airway pressure device is a treatment that delivers pressurized air through a mask or nasal prongs to keep the upper airway open and prevent apnea episodes during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing due to partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The nurse should ensure that the device is fitted properly and functioning well.

Choice B reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle is not a sufficient intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce snoring and improve breathing by preventing the tongue and soft palate from falling back and obstructing the airway. However, it may not be enough to prevent apnea episodes in clients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. The nurse should also use other interventions such as positive airway pressure device, weight loss, or surgery.

Choice C reason: Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Dentures or other oral appliances are devices that replace missing teeth or improve dental alignment. They may help improve speech, chewing, and appearance, but they do not have a direct impact on obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should instruct the client to remove dentures or other oral appliances before going to bed to prevent discomfort, infection, or damage.

Choice D reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is not a necessary intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Side rails are bars that attach to the sides of the bed frame to prevent falls or injuries. They may provide safety and security for some clients, but they may also pose risks such as entrapment, strangulation, or agitation. The nurse should assess the need for side rails on an individual basis and consider alternative measures such as bed alarms, low beds, or floor mats.

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.