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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms. It is not a rescue medication and does not provide immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. Montelukast works by reducing inflammation and preventing bronchoconstriction, but its effects are not rapid enough to address the immediate needs of a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack.
Choice B rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid bronchodilation and is the first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to quick relief of bronchospasm and improved airflow. Administering albuterol promptly can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of an asthma attack, making it the priority medication in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma symptoms but is not effective as a rescue medication during an acute asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids are typically used as part of a daily maintenance regimen to manage chronic asthma and prevent exacerbations.
Choice D rationale
Budesonide is another inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control. Like fluticasone, it helps reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms but is not suitable for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids are important for managing chronic asthma but do not provide the rapid bronchodilation needed in an emergency situation.
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.