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
Regular insulin should not be withheld during illness. When a person with type 1 diabetes is sick, their body may produce more glucose due to stress and infection, leading to hyperglycemia. Therefore, it is crucial to continue taking insulin to manage blood glucose levels effectively.
Choice B rationale
Insulin should not be stored in the freezer. Freezing insulin can cause it to degrade and lose its effectiveness. Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) until it is opened. Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature for a specified period, usually around 28 days.
Choice C rationale
The target range for morning blood glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes is typically between 90 and 130 mg/dL. Maintaining blood glucose within this range helps to prevent both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, ensuring better overall diabetes management and reducing the risk of complications.
Choice D rationale
Eating a snack before physical activity is important for children with type 1 diabetes to prevent hypoglycemia. Physical activity can lower blood glucose levels, so having a snack that contains carbohydrates can help maintain stable blood glucose levels during exercise.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Referring the child to social work for early intervention is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first discuss the assessment findings with the primary care provider to confirm the diagnosis and plan the next steps.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents on the developmental delays their child is diagnosed with is essential, but it should come after a confirmed diagnosis and a comprehensive plan is in place. The primary care provider should be involved in this process.
Choice C rationale
Providing the parents with pamphlets for support groups is supportive but not the immediate priority. The nurse should first ensure that the primary care provider is aware of the assessment findings to confirm the diagnosis and plan appropriate interventions.
Choice D rationale
Discussing the assessment findings with the primary care provider is the priority action. This ensures that the child receives a thorough evaluation and appropriate interventions are planned based on a confirmed diagnosis.