The nurse is caring for an infant who was recently diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
Audible heart murmur.
Heart rate of 162 beats/minute.
Poor oral intake and suckling effort.
Weight gain of 2.2 lbs. (1 kg) in the last 48 hours.
The Correct Answer is C
Infants with congenital heart defects may have difficulty with feeding due to increased effort required to breathe and feed at the same time. This can lead to poor weight gain and dehydration. Thus, it is important for the nurse to report any signs of poor feeding or oral intake to the healthcare provider. While audible heart murmur (choice A) and a high heart rate (choice B) are expected findings in infants with congenital heart defects, they do not necessarily indicate a need for immediate intervention. Weight gain of 2.2 lbs. (1 kg) in the last 48 hours (choice D) may actually be a positive finding in an infant with a congenital heart defect, but it is not as important to report as poor oral intake and suckling effort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
For an eight-month-old infant with heart failure, the nurse should withhold digoxin if the infant's apical pulse is less than 90 beats/minute and notify the healthcare provider. In this case, the infant's apical pulse is 88 beats/minute, so the nurse should withhold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
Furosemide ( B), hydralazine (C), and enalapril (D) do not have specific parameters for withholding based on the infant's vital signs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should give the mother positive feedback about the way she administered the medication. Giving the infant orange juice after administering the iron drops is a good practice because vitamin C in the orange juice can enhance the absorption of iron. The other options (A, C, and D) are not appropriate actions for the nurse to take in this situation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today