When assisting in obtaining informed consent for a child, which of the following actions were taken? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale

While providing oxygen can be important in the care of a newborn with esophageal atresia, it is not the first priority. These babies often have difficulty breathing, but this is usually due to the abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea (tracheoesophageal fistula), which allows stomach acid to enter the lungs. Oxygen therapy alone does not address this underlying problem.

Choice B rationale

Placing the infant in an isolette or radiant warmer is not the first priority. While maintaining the baby’s body temperature is important, it does not address the immediate risks associated with esophageal atresia.

Choice C rationale

Obtaining a stat chest X-ray can be part of the diagnostic process for esophageal atresia, but it is not the first priority. The diagnosis is usually suspected based on symptoms such as frothy bubbles in the mouth and nose, coughing or choking when feeding, and difficulty breathing.

Choice D rationale

Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 35 degrees is the first priority. This position helps to prevent aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, which can occur due to the abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea (tracheoesophageal fistula) that is often present in babies with esophageal atresia.

Choice A rationale

Dehydration in infants can be a serious medical concern if not addressed quickly. It can be caused by various factors such as vomiting or diarrhea, or if the baby is not nursing well. The most common signs of dehydration in babies include concentrated urine that looks very dark yellow or orange, constipation, dry lips, dry mouth, dry mucous membranes, excessive sleepiness, irritability, less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period, no interest in taking a bottle or breastfeeding, no tears when crying, paleness, sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on their head, and wrinkled skin. If the nurse observes these signs and symptoms in the infant, along

with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient is dehydrated during the shift.

Choice B rationale

If the infant shows signs of improvement such as increased urine output, normal skin turgor, moist mucous membranes, and the infant is alert and active, then the nurse might determine that the patient is improving as anticipated. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.

Choice C rationale

Fluid volume excess, also known as fluid overload, occurs when the body has too much water and electrolytes. Symptoms can include swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or abdomen, weight gain, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. If the nurse observes these symptoms in the infant, along with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient has fluid volume excess. However, given the information provided, this does not seem to be the most likely scenario.

Choice D rationale

If the infant’s vital signs are stable, the infant is alert and active, and there are no significant changes in the infant’s condition, the nurse might determine that the patient’s condition is stable. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.