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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A sputum culture can help identify respiratory infections but is not definitive for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
Choice B rationale
Stool fat content analysis can indicate malabsorption issues but is not specific to cystic fibrosis.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary function tests assess lung function but do not confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Choice D rationale
The sweat chloride test is the gold standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. It measures the concentration of chloride in sweat, which is elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to defective chloride transport in sweat glands.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a throat culture is contraindicated in suspected epiglottitis. This procedure can cause further irritation and potentially lead to airway obstruction. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency, and the priority is to maintain a patent airway.
Choice B rationale
Placing the child in an upright position is the correct action. This position helps improve breathing and reduces the risk of airway obstruction. It also allows for better visualization and assessment of the child’s respiratory status.
Choice C rationale
Visualizing the epiglottis with a tongue depressor is not recommended in suspected epiglottitis. This action can cause further irritation and potentially lead to airway obstruction. The priority is to maintain a patent airway and avoid any procedures that could exacerbate the condition.
Choice D rationale
Transporting the child to radiology for a throat x-ray is not the immediate priority. While imaging may be necessary for diagnosis, the primary focus should be on maintaining a patent airway and ensuring the child’s respiratory status is stable.