A 3-month-old is being treated for gastroesophageal reflux. The health care provider orders 2mg/kg of ranitidine to be administered every 12 hours. The client weighs 10 pounds. The elixir comes in a strength of 15mg/mL. How many mL of ranitidine should the nurse administer to this client per dose? (round to the nearest tenth)

A. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including those caused by organisms like Giardia and some anaerobic bacteria. While it may be appropriate if a specific diagnosis indicates its use, it is not the first action without further evaluation.
B. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that slows intestinal movement and can help alleviate diarrhea. However, using loperamide in cases of suspected infectious diarrhea (especially if due to a bacterial or parasitic cause) can worsen the condition by keeping pathogens in the system longer. It is generally not the first choice in such scenarios.
C. A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the patient's overall health and help identify signs of infection (like elevated white blood cell counts). However, this diagnostic test is not an immediate intervention to manage the patient's current symptoms.
D. Collecting a stool sample is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the diarrhea, especially given the recent consumption of undercooked meat. This step is important for guiding appropriate treatment, as it will help determine whether an infectious agent is present and what specific treatment may be required.

A. While a lower sodium diet is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not specifically linked to managing GERD symptoms. This choice may be included in broader health advice but isn't a primary recommendation for GERD.
B. Staying upright helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, reducing the risk of reflux. This advice helps the digestive process and minimizes symptoms.
C. This is highly recommended for individuals with GERD. Elevating the head of the bed can help prevent nighttime reflux by using gravity to keep stomach contents from rising into the esophagus during sleep. This practice is effective in managing symptoms.
D. A high-fiber diet can be beneficial for overall digestive health and may help with GERD symptoms. Low-fat diets are also recommended since high-fat foods can exacerbate reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. This is a good recommendation to include in the teaching plan.
E. This recommendation is not always necessary. While some individuals may find that large meals trigger their GERD symptoms, avoiding snacks isn't universally required. In fact, small, healthy snacks may be tolerated well and can prevent hunger-related reflux symptoms.