A 3-month-old is admitted with severe diarrhea. Yesterday, the infant weighed 11 pounds (5 kg). Today, this infant weighs 9 pounds, 8 ounces (4.3 kg). Based on this information, the nurse documents that the infant has:
Failure to thrive.
Malabsorption syndrome.
Severe dehydration.
Risk for fluid volume deficit.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Failure to thrive is a condition where a child does not gain weight or grow as expected. While severe diarrhea can contribute to failure to thrive, the immediate concern in this scenario is the significant weight loss indicating severe dehydration.
Choice B rationale
Malabsorption syndrome involves the inability to absorb nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. However, the acute weight loss in this case is more indicative of severe dehydration.
Choice C rationale
Severe dehydration is characterized by significant fluid loss, which can be life-threatening in infants. The weight loss from 11 pounds to 9 pounds, 8 ounces indicates a substantial fluid loss, pointing to severe dehydration.
Choice D rationale
Risk for fluid volume deficit is a potential diagnosis, but the significant weight loss and clinical presentation indicate that the infant is already experiencing severe dehydration.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While some children may pull their ears when they have a cold, it is not a definitive sign of acute nasopharyngitis. Ear pulling can also indicate other issues such as ear infections.
Choice B rationale
Antibiotics are not typically prescribed for acute nasopharyngitis, as it is usually caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics are only used if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Choice C rationale
Healthy children can have multiple colds per year, especially if they are exposed to other children in settings like daycare or school. It is not uncommon for children to have several colds annually.
Choice D rationale
A cough that accompanies a cold should not be suppressed as it helps clear mucus from the airways. Suppressing the cough can lead to mucus buildup and potential complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. It is not commonly associated with tetralogy of Fallot.
Choice B rationale
Polycythemia, or an increased number of red blood cells, can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to chronic hypoxia in tetralogy of Fallot. However, it is not a primary condition associated with tetralogy of Fallot.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. While it can occur secondary to congenital heart defects, it is not a primary condition associated with tetralogy of Fallot.
Choice D rationale
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that includes four heart abnormalities: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. These defects cause altered blood flow and reduced oxygen levels in the blood.