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
Offering clear liquids for the first 24 hours is not necessary after a cardiac catheterization. The child can resume a normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider. Clear liquids are typically recommended after procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract to prevent nausea and vomiting, but this is not the case here.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the child home for a week is not required. The child can usually return to normal activities within a day or two, depending on the healthcare provider’s instructions. Prolonged rest is not necessary unless there are complications or specific instructions from the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Acetaminophen is recommended for discomfort because it is effective in managing mild to moderate pain and has a low risk of side effects. It is important to avoid medications that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, especially after a procedure like cardiac catheterization.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the child to take a tub bath for the first 3 days is not recommended. It is generally advised to avoid submerging the catheter insertion site in water to prevent infection. Sponge baths are usually recommended until the site has healed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the child’s head to the side and pressing on the nasal ridge is not the recommended method for managing nosebleeds. This position can cause blood to flow into the throat, leading to swallowing blood and potential vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Sitting the child upright and leaning slightly forward while applying pressure to the sides of the nose is the correct method. This position helps prevent blood from flowing into the throat and allows it to clot more effectively.
Choice C rationale
Having the child lie flat and apply pressure to the cheeks is not effective for stopping a nosebleed. This position can cause blood to flow into the throat, leading to swallowing blood and potential vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Putting the child in bed, elevating the head slightly, and pressing on the forehead is not effective for stopping a nosebleed. The pressure needs to be applied directly to the soft part of the nose to control the bleeding.