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:

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale

While discipline is an important aspect of parenting, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance to the parent. Discussing discipline methods may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums.

Choice B rationale

Suggesting that some children have more difficult personalities and recommending parenting books may not provide the immediate reassurance and understanding the parent needs. It is important to normalize the child’s behavior and explain that temper tantrums are a normal part of development.

Choice C rationale

Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, which can lead to temper tantrums as they assert their desires and preferences. Explaining that temper tantrums are normal during this stage of development helps reassure the parent and provides a better understanding of their child’s behavior.

Choice D rationale

While diet can play a role in behavior, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance. Discussing diet may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums and difficult behaviors.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale

Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid can help reduce inflammation in the airways, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.

Choice B rationale

Obtaining a peak flow reading can help assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation, but it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.

Choice C rationale

Administering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention. SABAs, such as albuterol, provide rapid bronchodilation and relieve bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmaticus.

Choice D rationale

Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation can help guide long-term management, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.