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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hirschsprung’s disease is characterized by inadequate motility of part of the intestine, resulting in a mechanical obstruction. This condition is caused by the absence of ganglion cells in the affected segment of the intestine, leading to a lack of peristalsis and subsequent obstruction.
Choice B rationale
Encopresis is a condition characterized by the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places, such as clothing or the floor. It is not associated with inadequate motility of the intestine or mechanical obstruction.
Choice C rationale
Pyloric stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the pylorus, which leads to obstruction of the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It is not associated with inadequate motility of the intestine.
Choice D rationale
Enterocolitis is an inflammation of the intestine and colon. It is not associated with inadequate motility of the intestine or mechanical obstruction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erikson’s stage of initiative versus guilt occurs in preschool-aged children (3-5 years), not toddlers.
Choice B rationale
Imaginary playmates are more common in preschool-aged children and are not a characteristic of toddlerhood.
Choice C rationale
Demonstrations of sexual curiosity are more common in preschool-aged children and are not a characteristic of toddlerhood.
Choice D rationale
Negative behaviors characterized by the need for autonomy are typical in toddlers. This stage, according to Erikson, is autonomy versus shame and doubt, where toddlers strive for independence and self-control.