A nurse is obtaining vital signs from 2-month-old infant. The infant’s heart rate is 190/min and his temperature is 40° C (104° F). The father asks the nurse why the infant’s heart is beating so fast. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate
A.
“The fever is causing an increase in your baby’s heart rate.”
B.
“Your baby’s heart is beating fast in an attempt to cool down his body
C.
“This is within the expected range for your baby.”
D.
“As your baby begins to fall asleep, his heart rate will decrease.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. “The fever is causing an increase in your baby’s heart rate.”
Explanation:
When a nurse encounters an infant with a heart rate of 190/min and a fever of 40°C (104°F), it’s crucial to understand the physiological responses that are likely contributing to these observations. In infants, heart rate is closely tied to their metabolic rate, which can be influenced by several factors, including fever.
Fever and Heart Rate: Fever is a common cause of tachycardia (increased heart rate) in infants. As body temperature rises, the metabolic demands of the body increase, leading to an increased heart rate as the body attempts to meet these heightened metabolic needs. This is a compensatory mechanism where the heart works harder to circulate more blood, thereby delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products more efficiently. This increased heart rate, known as “febrile tachycardia,” is a typical response to fever.
Incorrect Responses:
- Option B (“Your baby’s heart is beating fast in an attempt to cool down his body.”) is incorrect because the heart rate does not directly cool down the body. While blood flow can aid in heat distribution, the heart’s role is primarily to meet the increased metabolic demands during fever, not to cool the body directly.
- Option C (“This is within the expected range for your baby.”) is also incorrect because a heart rate of 190/min is on the high end, especially in conjunction with a fever. Although infants naturally have higher heart rates than older children and adults, a heart rate of 190/min warrants attention when associated with a high fever, and it should not be dismissed as merely “expected.”
- Option D (“As your baby begins to fall asleep, his heart rate will decrease.”) is misleading. While it is true that heart rate generally decreases during sleep, this option does not address the father’s specific concern about the elevated heart rate in the context of the fever.
Effective Communication: The father’s concern about his infant’s elevated heart rate is valid, and the nurse’s response must be both accurate and reassuring. Option A provides a clear and straightforward explanation that connects the elevated heart rate to the fever, helping the father understand that this is a normal physiological response to the fever. Additionally, this response opens the door for further discussion about managing the fever and monitoring the infant’s condition, ensuring that the father feels informed and supported.
In summary, the appropriate response, as indicated in option A, helps the father understand the relationship between fever and heart rate, which is essential for reassuring him while ensuring proper care for the infant.