An infant is discharged after open heart surgery. The infant is going home on oxygen and with multiple medications. Which instruction by the nurse is the priority?
A.
"Be sure to keep all postoperative appointments."
B.
"Do not allow anyone to pick up or hold the baby."
C.
"If your baby is irritable, check oxygen saturation."
D.
"Monitor the incision for redness or warmth."
ANS: C
A child going home on oxygen will have an oximeter. This child's parents need to be educated on signs of heart failure (including decreased oxygenation), including irritability in a small child. They should be told to check the oxygen saturation when irritability is seen. Keeping appointments and monitoring a surgical incision are appropriate instructions for any postoperative patient. The baby can be picked up and held but must be cradled and not picked up under the arms until the sternum has healed.
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