A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing pain following a procedure?
Increased crying episodes.
Decreased respiratory rate.
Decreased heart rate.
Increased formula consumption.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Increased crying episodes are a common indicator of pain in infants. Crying is a behavioral response to discomfort and can be more intense or frequent when the infant is in pain. This response is due to the activation of the infant’s nervous system, which signals distress through crying.
Choice B rationale
Decreased respiratory rate is not typically associated with pain in infants. Pain usually causes an increase in respiratory rate due to the body’s stress response, which involves the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that stimulate the respiratory system.
Choice C rationale
Decreased heart rate is also not a common sign of pain in infants. Pain generally leads to an increased heart rate as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Choice D rationale
Increased formula consumption is not an indicator of pain. In fact, pain might reduce an infant’s appetite and lead to decreased feeding. Pain can cause discomfort during feeding, leading to fussiness and refusal to eat.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Over-riding suture lines are not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus. This condition involves the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
A backward sloping appearance of the forehead is not associated with hydrocephalus. This condition typically presents with an enlarged head circumference due to fluid accumulation.
Choice C rationale
Dilated scalp veins are a common manifestation of hydrocephalus. The increased intracranial pressure causes the veins to become more prominent and visible.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension is not a primary symptom of hydrocephalus in newborns. The condition primarily affects the brain and skull, leading to symptoms like an enlarged head, bulging fontanelles, and dilated scalp veins.