What nursing action is appropriate to take when an infant with a congenital heart defect has increased respiratory rate, is sweating, and is not feeding well?

A. Checking temperature is important, but these signs are more concerning for cardiac decompensation rather than infection. B. The child may be experiencing heart failure or respiratory distress. Alerting the physician is the appropriate action to assess for worsening condition. C. Increasing the oxygen rate might be necessary, but the priority is alerting the physician first for further assessment. D. Withholding oral feeding may be necessary, but the priority is physician notification to guide management.