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
Restraining the child’s arms during a seizure is not recommended. Restraint can cause injury to the child and does not prevent the seizure from occurring. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the child’s safety by removing any nearby objects that could cause harm.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the child laterally (on their side) is the correct action. This position helps maintain an open airway and allows any secretions to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. It also facilitates better breathing and prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway.
Choice C rationale
Attempting to stop the seizure is not advisable. Seizures typically run their course and attempting to stop them can cause more harm than good. The nurse should focus on ensuring the child’s safety and monitoring the seizure’s duration and characteristics.
Choice D rationale
Using a padded tongue blade is outdated and not recommended. Inserting any object into the mouth during a seizure can cause injury to the teeth, gums, or airway. It is better to ensure the child’s safety by positioning them laterally and monitoring their airway.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
At 10 months, infants are typically able to imitate simple sounds, including animal sounds. This is a normal developmental milestone.
Choice B rationale
Turning pages in a book is a fine motor skill that develops later, around 12 months of age.
Choice C rationale
Building a tower of three or four cubes is a skill that typically develops around 15-18 months of age.
Choice D rationale
By 10 months, infants should be able to sit steadily without support. Inability to do so may indicate a developmental delay.