The mother of a 2-month-old infant is afraid of giving her child immunizations and asks why they are necessary. The nurse's best response would be:

Choice A reason: A low protein diet is not recommended for infants with congestive heart failure. Protein is essential for growth and development, as well as for tissue repair and immune function. Infants with congestive heart failure may have increased protein needs due to increased metabolic rate, fluid loss, and tissue breakdown. A low protein diet may worsen their nutritional status and compromise their recovery.

Choice B reason: Increased caloric intake is a key intervention for infants with congestive heart failure who have failure to thrive. Failure to thrive is a condition in which an infant does not gain weight or grow normally. It can be caused by congestive heart failure due to poor appetite, increased energy expenditure, poor absorption, or increased losses of nutrients. Increased caloric intake can help improve the infant's growth and development, as well as reduce the workload of the heart.

Choice C reason: A no added salt diet is advisable for infants with congestive heart failure, but it is not the most important need. Salt or sodium can cause fluid retention and worsen the symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as edema, shortness of breath, and fatigue. A no added salt diet can help prevent fluid overload and reduce the need for diuretics. However, infants with congestive heart failure still need some sodium for normal body functions, and a very low sodium diet may be harmful.

Choice D reason: Decreased intake is not a need for infants with congestive heart failure, but rather a potential problem. Decreased intake can result from poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty feeding due to respiratory distress or fatigue. Decreased intake can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and poor growth. Decreased intake should be monitored and corrected by providing frequent, small, and high-calorie feedings, as well as supplemental fluids and electrolytes as needed.

Choice A reason: Clear liquids are not the best intervention for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Clear liquids are fluids that are transparent or translucent, such as water, broth, tea, or juice. They may provide some hydration, but they do not contain enough electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) to replace the losses from diarrhea. They may also worsen diarrhea by increasing the osmotic load in the gut.

Choice B reason: Absorbents such as kaolin and pectin are not recommended for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Absorbents are substances that bind to toxins, bacteria, or water in the gut, and are supposed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools. However, there is no evidence that they are effective or safe for children with diarrhea. They may also interfere with the absorption of other medications or nutrients.

Choice C reason: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the preferred intervention for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. ORS is a specially formulated solution that contains water, glucose, and electrolytes in the right proportions to replenish the losses from diarrhea. ORS can prevent or treat dehydration, and can also reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. ORS is widely available, inexpensive, and easy to use. It should be given to children with diarrhea as soon as possible, and continued until the diarrhea stops.

Choice D reason: Antidiarrheal medications are not advised for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Antidiarrheal medications are drugs that slow down the movement of the gut, reduce the secretion of fluids, or kill the bacteria that cause diarrhea. However, they are not effective for viral diarrhea, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. They may also have serious side effects, such as constipation, abdominal pain, drowsiness, or allergic reactions. They may also mask the symptoms of more serious conditions, such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction.