How can nurses best support a newborn at risk for heart failure?

Monitoring vital signs and assessing for distress is crucial when supporting a newborn at risk for heart failure. This approach allows nurses to identify any changes in the infant's condition early on, which is vital for timely interventions. Newborns with heart failure may present with signs such as tachycardia, respiratory distress, fatigue, or poor feeding, and being vigilant in monitoring these signs can help prevent deterioration of their condition.

In addition to observing vital signs, the assessment can include evaluating the newborn’s overall look, skin color, and behavior, all of which contribute to understanding their well-being. The timely recognition of distress can enable nurses and the healthcare team to implement appropriate management strategies, such as adjusting fluids, administering medications, or providing respiratory support if needed, thereby improving the newborn's outcome.

The other options do not prioritize immediate assessment and monitoring, which are essential for managing potential heart failure in newborns. Limiting fluid intake may be necessary in specific circumstances, but it is typically guided by clinical status rather than a blanket policy, particularly in a newborn who may still need adequate hydration. Early discharge is not advisable without ensuring that the newborn is stable and their needs can be met at home. Promoting sleep and rest is important, but it should not replace