A clinic nurse is caring for a 4-year-old client with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration who is afebrile, active, and alert. The nurse is providing instructions to the parent. Which statement by the parent indicates understanding?
"We can anticipate needing intravenous fluids to correct the dehydration."
"I will continue to give oral rehydration in small amounts."
"Chicken broth will replace the needed electrolytes lost."
"If my child's soft spot becomes depressed, I will notify the healthcare provider immediately."
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Intravenous fluids are generally not required if the child is alert and active with mild dehydration; oral rehydration is usually sufficient.
B. Oral rehydration solutions are appropriate for treating mild dehydration and should be given in small amounts frequently.
C. Chicken broth is not ideal for replacing electrolytes because it is low in electrolytes and high in sodium. Oral rehydration solutions are preferred.
D. A depressed soft spot (fontanel) is a sign of severe dehydration in infants. For a 4-year-old, signs of dehydration would include changes in urine output, thirst, or dry mucous membranes rather than a depressed fontanel.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Lethargy is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to possible shunt malfunction and requires immediate medical attention.
B. Seizure activity can be a late sign of shunt malfunction and is also concerning but lethargy typically appears earlier.
C. Rapid weight gain is less directly related to shunt malfunction and more associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or edema.
D. Disinterest in school could suggest general malaise but is not a specific or early sign of shunt malfunction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Passing tar-like stools is normal for newborns within the first few days of life and does not indicate Hirschsprung disease.
B. Limited stooling and poor weight gain may suggest feeding issues but are not as indicative of Hirschsprung disease as the absence of stool.
C. The absence of stool (failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours) is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease, a condition where the absence of ganglion cells in the intestines leads to a blockage.
D. Passing hard, pellet-like stools may indicate constipation but is not specific to Hirschsprung disease, especially in a newborn.