A 9-month-old infant with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is being discharged from the hospital.
The nurse is educating the parents about signs of possible complications related to GER.
Which of the following signs should the parents report immediately to the pediatrician?
Irritability after feedings.
A slight decrease in appetite.
Coughing or wheezing during sleep.
Occasional spitting up after feedings.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Irritability after feedings can be a common symptom of GER due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus and causing discomfort. While it should be reported, it is not necessarily an immediate sign of a serious complication.
Choice B rationale
A slight decrease in appetite can occur with GER due to discomfort or a learned aversion to feeding. While it warrants monitoring, it is not typically an immediate red flag for severe complications.
Choice C rationale
Coughing or wheezing during sleep can indicate aspiration of gastric contents into the airway due to severe GER. Aspiration can lead to respiratory complications such as pneumonia, making this a serious sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
Occasional spitting up after feedings is a common manifestation of GER in infants and is often physiological. While frequent or forceful spitting up should be monitored, occasional spitting up in a 9-month-old with known GER is not necessarily a sign of a serious complication requiring immediate reporting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), and scaling. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which help to reduce the inflammatory response in the skin and alleviate itching.
Choice B rationale
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by thickened, scaly plaques. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are used to treat psoriasis by suppressing the activity of T-cells, which are involved in the inflammatory process. The presentation of an itchy rash as the primary finding is less consistent with typical psoriasis.
Choice C rationale
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction resulting from direct contact with an irritant or allergen, often presenting with redness, swelling, and vesicles in addition to itching. While topical antihistamines can help with itching associated with allergic reactions, topical corticosteroids are generally more effective for managing the inflammation in contact dermatitis.
Choice D rationale
Tinea corporis, or ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin characterized by circular, raised, scaly patches with central clearing. Topical antifungals are the appropriate treatment for tinea infections as they inhibit the growth and reproduction of the dermatophyte fungi causing the infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is the most common malignant renal tumor in young children, typically presenting between the ages of 3 and 4 years. A firm, non-tender abdominal mass, often in the right flank, is a classic finding. The association with aniridia, a congenital absence of the iris, is a known risk factor for Wilms tumor, occurring in WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and intellectual disability).
Choice B rationale
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that arises from immature nerve cells and can occur in various locations, most commonly the adrenal glands. While it can present with an abdominal mass, it is often associated with other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and irritability due to catecholamine secretion. It is less specifically linked to aniridia than nephroblastoma.
Choice C rationale
Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the liver that typically presents in children younger than 3 years old. While it causes abdominal swelling due to a liver mass, it is not typically associated with aniridia. Palpation might reveal a mass in the upper right quadrant rather than the flank.
Choice D rationale
Hydronephrosis refers to the swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine. While it can cause an abdominal mass, it is often associated with urinary symptoms or pain, which are not reported in this case. Furthermore, it is not a malignancy and has no known association with aniridia.
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