The nurse is giving instructions to parents of a 4-month-old infant with tetralogy of Fallot. Important teaching points should include:

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.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct order, as IV fluids at 2x maintenance are not enough to restore the blood volume and perfusion in hypovolemic shock. The child needs a rapid IV fluid bolus of 20 ml/kg to replace the fluid losses and improve the hemodynamic status¹.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct order, as medication to support cardiac function should be given after the IV fluid bolus, not before. The fluid bolus is the first priority to increase the preload and cardiac output in hypovolemic shock. Medications such as inotropes or vasopressors may be needed if the fluid bolus is not effective or causes adverse effects¹².

Choice C reason: This is the correct order, as oxygen, IV fluid bolus of 20 ml/kg, and medications to support cardiac function are the appropriate interventions for hypovolemic shock. Oxygen is given to improve the oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion. IV fluid bolus of 20 ml/kg is given to restore the blood volume and improve the hemodynamic status. Medications such as inotropes or vasopressors are given to support the cardiac function and maintain the blood pressure¹².

Choice D reason: This is not the correct order, as IV fluid bolus of 10 ml/kg is not enough to restore the blood volume and perfusion in hypovolemic shock. The child needs a rapid IV fluid bolus of 20 ml/kg to replace the fluid losses and improve the hemodynamic status¹.