A mother brings her preteen daughter to the clinic for her first female examination. During the health assessment, the nurse should implement which technique to determine if the client has reached the age of menarche?

Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal circumference provides immediate, objective data about the degree of abdominal distention, which is a key sign of intestinal obstruction in a neonate who hasn’t passed meconium and is vomiting bilious secretions. Establishing a baseline girth measurement guides further assessment, helps detect rapidly worsening distention, and informs decisions about decompression and imaging studies.

Choice B reason: Although initiating an IV infusion is critical for fluid and electrolyte replacement in any vomiting infant, securing intravenous access should follow a focused assessment. Prioritizing assessment ensures you understand the severity of the obstruction and tailor fluid resuscitation and other interventions appropriately.

Choice C reason: Monitoring strict urinary output is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because urinary output is not the most sensitive indicator of fluid status in infants, especially those with renal insufficiency or oliguria. Monitoring urinary output may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.

Choice D reason: Preparing for anorectal manometry is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures the pressure and function of the anal and rectal muscles. It is not indicated for infants with suspected meconium ileus, which is a mechanical obstruction of the bowel by thick and sticky meconium. Preparing for anorectal manometry may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.

Choice A reason: Encouraging the parent to come to the clinic if the child develops a fever is not the best response that the nurse can give. This is because a fever may indicate a serious infection, such as Lyme disease, that requires prompt treatment. The nurse should not wait for the child to develop a fever before advising the parent to seek medical attention.

Choice B reason: Instructing the parent to apply an antihistamine ointment for one week is not the best response that the nurse can give. This is because an antihistamine ointment may not be effective for a fungal infection, such as ringworm, or a bacterial infection, such as Lyme disease, that may cause a circular rash. The nurse should not recommend any OTC product without knowing the exact cause of the rash.

Choice C reason: Offering reassurance that OTC corticosteroid creams are safe and effective is not the best response that the nurse can give. This is because corticosteroid creams may worsen a fungal infection, such as ringworm, or mask the symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as Lyme disease, that may cause a circular rash. The nurse should not recommend any OTC product without knowing the exact cause of the rash.

Choice D reason: Explaining the need for the child to have an immediate medical evaluation is the best response that the nurse can give. This is because a circular rash can be a sign of a serious condition, such as Lyme disease, that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. The nurse should inform the parent that the rash may not be ringworm, as many people assume, and that it may be caused by a tick bite or another factor. The nurse should also advise the parent to avoid touching or scratching the rash and to keep it clean and dry until the child sees a doctor.