A 6-week-old infant with poor weight gain is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Maintain a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Quiet, calm surroundings are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be beneficial for promoting rest and comfort for the client.
Choice B reason: Stimulating sounds and activity are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be helpful for enhancing mood and cognition for the client.
Choice C reason: Cool, moist air is not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, it may be preferable for preventing dehydration and overheating for the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Administering a half dose now is not a safe instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can result in overdosing or underdosing the infant, depending on how much of the medicine was absorbed or expelled. This is a contraindicated choice.
Choice B: Giving another dose is not a prudent instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can cause digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening for the infant. This is another contraindicated choice.
Choice C: Mixing the next dose with food is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to provide, as this does not address the current situation and can affect the absorption and effectiveness of digoxin. This is a distractor choice.
Choice D: Withholding this dose is a sensible instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can prevent adverse effects and allow the infant's serum digoxin level to be checked before giving another dose. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
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