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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid can help reduce inflammation in the airways, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilator.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a peak flow reading can help assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation, but it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilator.
Choice C rationale
Administering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention. SABAs, such as albuterol, provide rapid bronchodilation and relieve bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmatics.
Choice D rationale
Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation can help guide long-term management, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A storybook about a child who has diabetes can be helpful in educating the child about their condition and normalizing their experience. However, it may not be as effective in addressing the immediate distress caused by an insulin injection. Therapeutic play that directly involves the injection experience can be more beneficial in helping the child cope with their fear and anxiety.
Choice B rationale
A period of play in the playroom can provide a distraction and help the child relax. However, it does not specifically address the child’s distress related to the insulin injection. Therapeutic play that involves role-playing the injection process can be more effective in helping the child understand and cope with the procedure.
Choice C rationale
A video game can serve as a distraction and help the child relax. However, it does not directly address the child’s fear and anxiety related to the insulin injection. Therapeutic play that involves role-playing the injection process can be more effective in helping the child understand and cope with the procedure.
Choice D rationale
Using a needleless syringe and a doll allows the child to engage in therapeutic play that simulates the experience of receiving an insulin injection. This type of play helps the child understand the procedure, reduces fear and anxiety, and provides a sense of control over the situation. It is a direct and effective way to help the child cope with the distress caused by the injection.