A 4-month-old infant has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) with bouts of crying and distress but is thriving without other complications. Which should the nurse suggest to minimize reflux?
Place in Trendelenburg position after eating
Thicken formula with rice cereal
Give continuous nasogastric tube feedings
Give larger, less frequent feedings
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Placing the infant in Trendelenburg position (head lower than feet) after eating is not a good suggestion to minimize reflux. This position may increase the abdominal pressure and the risk of aspiration. The infant should be placed in an upright or semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees) for at least 30 minutes after feeding to reduce reflux and prevent regurgitation¹.
Choice B reason: Thickening the formula with rice cereal is a common and effective suggestion to minimize reflux. The rice cereal increases the viscosity and weight of the formula, making it less likely to flow back into the esophagus. The amount of rice cereal added should be about 1 teaspoon per ounce of formula, unless otherwise instructed by the health care provider².
Choice C reason: Giving continuous nasogastric tube feedings is not a necessary or desirable suggestion to minimize reflux. Nasogastric tube feedings are used for infants who have severe reflux and cannot tolerate oral feedings, or who have other medical conditions that require tube feeding. Nasogastric tube feedings may have complications such as infection, irritation, displacement, or obstruction of the tube. They may also interfere with the infant's oral development and bonding with the caregiver³.
Choice D reason: Giving larger, less frequent feedings is not a helpful suggestion to minimize reflux. Larger feedings may overfill the stomach and increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that prevents reflux. Less frequent feedings may also make the infant more hungry and irritable, and cause more crying and swallowing of air. The infant should be given smaller, more frequent feedings to reduce reflux and promote digestion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Unfamiliar equipment should be shown to the child and the family before the surgery, as part of the preoperative education and preparation. This can help reduce the child's fear and anxiety, as well as increase the child's understanding and cooperation during the surgery¹.
Choice B reason: Explain that an endotracheal tube will be needed for the surgery, regardless of how well it goes. The endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to provide mechanical ventilation during the surgery and the immediate postoperative period. The child and the family should be informed about the purpose, duration, and possible complications of the endotracheal tube, as well as the methods of communication and comfort measures².
Choice C reason: Mention the postoperative discomfort and interventions that the child may experience after the surgery, such as pain, nausea, chest tubes, drains, dressings, and monitors. The child and the family should be reassured that these are normal and expected, and that the nurse will provide adequate pain relief and care. The child and the family should also be taught about the postoperative activities and exercises, such as deep breathing, coughing, turning, and leg movements, to promote recovery and prevent complications³.
Choice D reason: Let the child hear the sounds of an ECG monitor, as well as other equipment that will be used during the surgery, such as a blood pressure cuff, an oxygen mask, and an IV pump. This can help familiarize the child with the sounds and sensations that he or she will encounter during the surgery, and reduce the fear of the unknown. The child should also be encouraged to ask questions and express feelings about the surgery⁴.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a false statement. Problem-solving skills are very important for the suicidal adolescent, as they can help them cope with stressful situations and find alternative solutions to their problems.
Choice B reason: This is a true statement. LGBT adolescents are at a higher risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers, due to factors such as discrimination, bullying, rejection, isolation, and internalized homophobia.
Choice C reason: This is a false statement. A sense of hopelessness and despair are not normal parts of adolescence, but signs of depression, which is a major risk factor for suicide.
Choice D reason: This is a false statement. Previous suicide attempts are a strong indication of risk for completed suicides, as they show the intent and willingness to end one's life.
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