A nurse in a pediatric clinic is assessing a 6-week-old infant whose parent reports frequent episodes of inconsolable crying, especially in the evening, lasting several hours and several weeks.
The infant has a normal physical exam, is gaining weight appropriately, and feeds well.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to the parent to help manage the infant's symptoms?
Provide tummy time immediately after each feeding.
Change the infant's formula to a soy-based formula.
Administer omeprazole drops with every feeding.
Offer soothing techniques such as swaddling and rhythmic rocking during crying episodes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Providing tummy time immediately after each feeding is generally discouraged for infants, especially those with reflux or colic-like symptoms. It can increase pressure on the abdomen and potentially worsen discomfort or lead to spitting up. Tummy time is beneficial for development but should be done when the infant is awake and not immediately after eating.
Choice B rationale
Changing the infant's formula to a soy-based formula is not a first-line recommendation for managing inconsolable crying in a 6-week-old with a normal physical exam and weight gain. While some infants may have sensitivities to cow's milk protein, a formula change should only be considered after other potential causes, like colic, have been explored and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Administering omeprazole drops, a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid, is not indicated for a 6-week-old infant with inconsolable crying, normal weight gain, and feeding. Omeprazole is used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with documented symptoms beyond typical infant spitting up. Routine use for crying is not recommended and could have potential side effects.
Choice D rationale
Offering soothing techniques such as swaddling and rhythmic rocking are evidence-based interventions for managing inconsolable crying in young infants, often associated with colic. Swaddling provides a sense of security, mimicking the womb, while rhythmic rocking can be calming and help regulate the infant's nervous system. These non-pharmacological approaches are recommended as initial management strategies for unexplained crying in healthy infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Avoiding fruit juice is a helpful recommendation because fruit juices are often high in simple sugars, which can draw water into the bowel and potentially worsen diarrhea. This statement indicates a good understanding of dietary management for diarrhea.
Choice B rationale
Offering small amounts of oral rehydration solution frequently is a crucial aspect of managing acute diarrhea in toddlers to prevent dehydration by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. This demonstrates appropriate knowledge of fluid management.
Choice C rationale
Giving over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine to stop the stools is generally not recommended for toddlers with acute diarrhea without specific guidance from a healthcare provider. These medications can sometimes mask underlying issues or have adverse effects in young children. This statement indicates a need for further explanation regarding safe medication use.
Choice D rationale
Continuing to offer the child their usual foods as tolerated is generally advised to maintain nutritional intake during diarrhea. Bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are often well-tolerated. This shows an understanding of appropriate dietary progression.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Washing bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water (above 54°C or 130°F) helps to kill lice and their nits (eggs) that may be present on these items, preventing re-infestation or spread to others. The heat denatures the proteins essential for the lice's survival.
Choice B rationale
Sealing non-washable items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks suffocates any lice and allows any hatched nymphs to die due to lack of a blood meal. Lice cannot survive for extended periods away from a human host.
Choice C rationale
Both washing bedding and clothing in hot water and sealing non-washable items are crucial steps in eliminating head lice and preventing recurrence or transmission. Therefore, all of the above instructions should be provided to parents.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the school allows for screening of other children and implementation of appropriate measures to prevent further spread of the head lice within the school environment. While important for public health, it is an action separate from the direct treatment and environmental control measures that parents should undertake at home.
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