Parents of a 3-year-old child with congenital heart disease are afraid to let their child play with other children because of possible overexertion. The nurse's reply should be based on which statement?

Choice A reason: Mild abdominal pain is not an urgent finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is expected that the child may have some discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with analgesics and comfort measures. Mild abdominal pain does not indicate a recurrence or complication of intussusception.

Choice B reason: Currant jelly stools are a serious finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. They are a sign of bowel ischemia and necrosis, which can lead to perforation and peritonitis. Currant jelly stools are stools mixed with blood and mucus, which have a red or purple color and a jelly-like consistency. They are caused by the pressure of the intussuscepted bowel segment on the blood vessels, resulting in bleeding and inflammation. Currant jelly stools indicate that the intussusception has not been completely reduced or has recurred, and require immediate medical attention.

Choice C reason: Axillary temperature of 37.3°C is not an alarming finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is within the normal range for an axillary temperature, which is usually lower than the oral or rectal temperature. A slight elevation of temperature may also be due to the stress of the procedure or a mild infection, which can be treated with antibiotics and fluids. Axillary temperature of 37.3°C does not suggest a serious complication of intussusception.

Choice D reason: BP of 100/54 is not a worrisome finding in a child who had emergency reduction for intussusception. It is within the normal range for a 10-month-old child, which is about 90/60 mmHg. A slight variation of blood pressure may also be influenced by factors such as activity, emotion, pain, or medication. BP of 100/54 does not indicate a problem with the child's circulation or cardiac function.

Choice A reason: This is a correct statement, as assessing the affected extremity for temperature and color can help detect any signs of vascular injury or thrombosis after the cardiac catheterization. The extremity should be warm and pink, indicating adequate blood flow. If the extremity is cold, pale, or cyanotic, it may indicate ischemia or occlusion¹.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement, as managing hydration with IV fluids until able to tolerate oral fluids is not a necessary intervention after the cardiac catheterization. The child may be able to resume oral fluids as soon as they are awake and alert, unless there are contraindications such as nausea or vomiting. IV fluids may be given to prevent dehydration or hypotension, but they should be monitored carefully to avoid fluid overload or pulmonary edema¹².

Choice C reason: This is a correct statement, as checking pulses above the catheterization site for equality and symmetry can help detect any signs of arterial injury or spasm after the cardiac catheterization. The pulses should be strong and equal on both sides, indicating normal blood flow. If the pulses are weak, absent, or unequal, it may indicate arterial occlusion or narrowing¹.

Choice D reason: This is a correct statement, as monitoring vital signs frequently can help detect any signs of bleeding, infection, or cardiac complications after the cardiac catheterization. The vital signs should be stable and within normal limits, indicating normal hemodynamic status. If the vital signs are abnormal, such as hypotension, tachycardia, fever, or dysrhythmia, it may indicate hemorrhage, sepsis, or cardiac tamponade¹².