A nurse is caring for an infant whose guardian reports intermittent vomiting for several days.
Findings upon admission:
Nurses Notes
Guardian reports infant has been forcefully vomiting after feedings. Guardian states the emesis is so forceful that it often lands 3 to 4 feet away. Infant is very fussy and rooting and sucks vigorously on a pacifier.
Vital Signs
Axillary temperature: 38.2° C (100.8° F)
Heart rate: 152/min
Respiratory rate: 30/min
Physical Examination
Mucus membranes are dry. Anterior fontanel depressed and soft. Small amount of urine noted in the diaper, which is dark in color. Upper portion of the abdomen is distended. Bowel sounds auscultated in all four quadrants. Palpable olive-shaped mass noted in the right mid-abdominal region.
Diagnostic Results
Ultrasound examination of the abdomen shows a mass that encircles the pyloric canal consistent with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
Implement contact precautions.
Measure the infant's head circumference.
Weigh the infant
Monitor the infant's intake and output.
Offer the infant small, frequent feeding of thickened liquids.
Evaluate the infant's pain level using the FACES scale.
Plan to administer a plain water enema to the infant.
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Rationale:
A. Contact precautions are not indicated unless there is an infectious disease concern, which is not mentioned in this scenario.
B. This is important for monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure due to potential dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In cases of severe vomiting and dehydration, monitoring head circumference can help assess the impact on brain hydration status.
C. Regular weighing is crucial to assess for weight loss due to vomiting and dehydration. Monitoring weight helps evaluate the severity of the infant's condition and the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
D. Tracking intake and output is essential for managing hydration status and ensuring the infant is receiving adequate fluids. It helps in assessing the balance between fluid loss due to vomiting and fluid replacement.
E. This intervention is not appropriate for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The primary treatment for this condition is surgical intervention, and feeding changes alone will not resolve the underlying issue.
F. The FACES scale is typically used for older children who can self-report pain. For an infant, alternative pain assessment methods would be used, such as observing behavioral cues.
G. An enema is not indicated for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and may worsen the infant's condition. The focus should be on hydration and surgical preparation rather than enemas.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Promoting maternal-infant bonding is important but is secondary to addressing immediate physical concerns.
B. Maintaining the integrity of the sac is the priority in managing myelomeningocele. The sac should be protected from rupture or infection to prevent damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
C. Providing age-appropriate stimulation is important for development but is not as urgent as protecting the physical integrity of the sac.
D. Educating the parents about the defect is crucial for long-term care but does not take precedence over immediate physical needs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance, which helps to divert more blood to the pulmonary circulation, improving oxygenation in a child experiencing a "tet spell" or hypercyanotic episode.
B. The prone position does not help in relieving cyanosis and dyspnea in Tetralogy of Fallot.
C. The supine position with the head turned does not assist in improving oxygenation during a cyanotic episode.
D. The semi-Fowler's position may aid breathing but is less effective than the knee-chest position in managing cyanotic spells.