The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of an infant with heart failure who is scheduled for repair of restenosis of coarctation of the aorta that was repaired 4 days after birth. Findings include blood pressure higher in the arms than the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. Which pathophysiologic mechanism supports these findings?

Choice A reason: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active is the best response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can help prevent and correct the flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, by taking pressure off the back of the head and allowing the skull to reshape naturally. It can also promote the infant's motor development and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles. However, the nurse should also remind the mother to always place the infant on the back when sleeping, as this is the safest position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) .

Choice B reason: Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the infant may roll over to the stomach or suffocate from the bedding or the crib. It can also worsen the flat head syndrome by creating another flat spot on the left side of the head.

Choice C reason: Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the pillow may cover the infant's face or cause the infant to overheat. It can also interfere with the natural reshaping of the skull and cause neck strain.

Choice D reason: Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can put too much pressure on the spine and the pelvis, which are still developing in the infant. It can also limit the infant's movement and exploration, which are important for learning and development.

Choice A reason: Rice is a gluten-free grain that is safe for people with celiac disease. Rice does not contain the protein gluten that triggers an immune reaction and damages the small intestine in people with celiac disease.

Choice B reason: Oats are generally not recommended for people with celiac disease because they are often contaminated with gluten from other grains during processing. Some people with celiac disease may also react to a protein in oats called avenin that is similar to gluten. Only certified gluten-free oats may be safe for some people with celiac disease, but they should consult their health care provider before consuming them³.

Choice C reason: Barley is a grain that contains gluten and is not safe for people with celiac disease. Barley can cause inflammation and damage to the small intestine in people with celiac disease. Barley is also used to make malt, which is a common additive in many processed foods and beverages.

Choice D reason: Rye is a grain that contains gluten and is not safe for people with celiac disease. Rye can cause the same symptoms and complications as wheat and barley in people with celiac disease. Rye is often used to make bread, crackers, and cereals.