A mother walks into your pharmacy and wants you to recommend an over-the-counter product for her baby's symptoms of diarrhea. When you ask her for more information she tells you that her 4-month-old baby has had diarrhea for the past 10 hours. The baby also has a fever of 103 F (rectally). Everyone (mom, dad, older brother) also have been bothered with diarrhea.
The baby has no known allergies and takes no medications on a regular basis.
What would be the BEST recommendation for this parent?
Recommend the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) to rest the baby's GI tract
A baby less than 6 months of age with diarrhea and a high fever should not be treated with self-care contact the healthcare provider
Recommend Imodium (loperamide) liquid by mouth 2 mg after each loose stool
Recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte for two days
The Correct Answer is B
A. Recommend the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) to rest the baby's GI tract: While the BRAT diet is sometimes suggested for older children with mild diarrhea, it is not recommended for infants under 6 months, as they rely on breast milk or formula for nutrition and hydration. Restricting their regular intake can worsen dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
B. A baby less than 6 months of age with diarrhea and a high fever should not be treated with self-care; contact the healthcare provider: Infants under 6 months are at high risk for rapid dehydration and serious infection. A rectal temperature of 103°F and diarrhea involving the whole family suggest a potential viral or bacterial infection requiring professional evaluation.
C. Recommend Imodium (loperamide) liquid by mouth 2 mg after each loose stool: Loperamide is contraindicated in infants under 2 years of age due to the risk of serious adverse effects, including toxic megacolon and central nervous system depression. It should never be used in a 4-month-old.
D. Recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte for two days: While ORS is important for hydration, in infants under 6 months with high fever and acute diarrhea, professional medical assessment is required first. Self-care alone is insufficient, and ORS should be administered under guidance from a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Imodium (loperamide): Loperamide is an antidiarrheal that slows intestinal motility, helping control symptoms of diarrhea during travel. It is useful for symptomatic relief, especially in mild to moderate cases of traveler's diarrhea, but should be used cautiously if fever or bloody stools are present, as these may indicate a more serious infection.
B. Bottled water: Safe drinking water is crucial to prevent travel-related gastrointestinal infections. Contaminated water is a common source of diarrhea in Central America, so carrying bottled or properly treated water helps reduce the risk of infection.
C. Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication can prevent and treat traveler's diarrhea by reducing inflammation in the gut and exerting mild antibacterial effects. It can also help relieve nausea and cramping, making it a versatile choice for travelers in areas with limited access to medical care.
D. A generic brand of digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes assist with nutrient breakdown but do not prevent or treat diarrhea caused by infections. They are not indicated for travel-related gastrointestinal illnesses and would not address the acute management of diarrhea.
E. A thermometer: Monitoring body temperature is important to detect fever, which may indicate a more serious infection requiring medical attention. Early recognition of fever can guide timely treatment decisions and prevent complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Using a blow dryer on a low setting (cool or warm) around the ear to air dry, avoiding blowing directly into the ear: This method is a safe non-pharmacologic option to help evaporate trapped water in the external ear canal without causing trauma. It reduces moisture and lowers the risk of swimmer’s ear.
B. Tilting the ear downward and gently manipulate the auricle to allow the water to flow from the ear: Gravity-assisted drainage by tilting and gently pulling on the auricle is an effective, non-invasive method to help water exit the ear canal. It is commonly recommended as a first-line self-care technique.
C. Using water absorbent ear plugs, after exposure to water, to dry the fluid accumulation in the ears for ages 17 and up: Water-absorbing ear plugs can help prevent prolonged moisture in the ear canal, reducing the risk of infection. They are considered a non-pharmacologic preventive measure rather than treatment.
D. Using a cotton-tipped applicator to clean and soak up the moisture and cerumen from the ear: Cotton-tipped applicators are not recommended because they can push water and cerumen deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing impaction, irritation, or trauma. This approach is unsafe and not considered a proper self-treatment method.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.