The healthcare provider prescribes a placebo instead of pain medication. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Placing the child on a continuous cardiopulmonary monitor is a standard post-operative order for monitoring the child’s heart and lung function after cardiac catheterization.
Choice B reason: Checking pedal pulses every 4 hours is important to ensure that there is adequate blood flow to the extremities, which can be compromised after cardiac procedures.
Choice C reason: Point of care blood glucose testing every 6 hours may not be necessary unless the child has a history of diabetes or there was a specific concern during the procedure. This order should be clarified with the physician.
Choice D reason: Admitting the child to the pediatric floor for observation is a standard procedure to monitor for any complications following cardiac catheterization.
Choice E reason: Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is a typical post-operative order to ensure the child’s stability after the procedure.
Choice F reason: Checking the dressing every 15 minutes for 1 hour and then every hour for 24 hours is a standard order to monitor for bleeding or other complications at the catheterization site.
Choice G reason: The order for NPO status might need to be questioned depending on the time expected before the child can eat or drink again, especially considering the child’s age and the need for hydration and nutrition.
Choice H reason: Administering Lactated Ringers IV at 66 mL/hr while NPO is a standard order to maintain hydration while the child cannot take anything by mouth.

Choice A reason: Learned coping skills are essential for managing the psychological aspects of obesity and the lifestyle changes required after bariatric surgery. The patient’s engagement with a psychologist and learning coping techniques can help her deal with postoperative stress and maintain the lifestyle modifications necessary for long-term success.
Choice B reason: A psychological assessment helps in understanding the patient’s readiness for surgery and ability to adhere to the postoperative regimen. It can identify any psychological barriers to weight loss and ensure that the patient is mentally prepared for the changes ahead.
Choice C reason: The term “unstained weight loss” seems to be a typographical error, possibly intending to mean “sustained weight loss.” However, sustained weight loss is not applicable in this context as the patient has not yet undergone surgery. Therefore, it does not contribute to the chances of positive outcomes post-surgery.
Choice D reason: Recovery close to the hospital can be beneficial as it allows for easier follow-up visits and quicker access to medical care if complications arise. It also reduces the stress associated with travel for postoperative care.
Choice E reason: Recent weight loss prior to surgery is a positive indicator as it shows the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes and weight management. It can also reduce surgical risk and improve postoperative recovery1.
Choice F reason: While age can be a factor in surgical risk, there is no direct correlation between the client’s age and the chance for positive outcomes after bariatric surgery. Therefore, it is not a contributing factor in this scenario.
Choice G reason: Family support is crucial for a patient’s recovery and long-term success after bariatric surgery. The patient’s plan to go home with her mother, who lives close to the hospital, indicates a strong support system which can help with adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Choice H reason: A high BMI, such as 41.4 kg/m^2, indicates severe obesity, which is the reason for undergoing bariatric surgery. While it is a factor for considering surgery, it does not inherently increase the chance for positive outcomes post-surgery.