A nurse is assisting with the admission of a 2-year-old toddler who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride.
Collect a stool sample from the toddler.
Determine if the toddler is voiding.
Request evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is (C) Determine if the toddler is voiding.
Choice A: Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride. While it is important to maintain hydration in a child with acute gastroenteritis, initiating isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride is not the first action a nurse should take. The child’s hydration status and electrolyte balance need to be assessed first. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of isotonic solutions with adequate potassium chloride and dextrose for maintenance IV fluids in children.
Choice B: Collect a stool sample from the toddler Collecting a stool sample can help identify the cause of the gastroenteritis. However, this is not the first step. The stool sample collection should be done using a clean, dry toilet hat or plastic wrap. But before this, the child’s hydration status needs to be assessed.
Choice C: Determine if the toddler is voiding The first action the nurse should take when using the nursing process is assessment. Therefore, checking if the toddler is voiding is the priority. This will help assess the child’s hydration status, which is critical in managing acute gastroenteritis.
Choice D: Request evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes Requesting an evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes is also important, but it’s typically done after the initial assessment. Fluid and electrolyte derangement are the immediate causes that increase the mortality in diarrhea. However, before requesting this evaluation, the nurse should first determine if the toddler is voiding to assess the child’s hydration status.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, is not typically a symptom of Wilms’ tumor. It is more commonly associated with conditions that cause liver dysfunction.
Choice B rationale
An abdominal mass is one of the most common symptoms of Wilms’ tumor. Parents or healthcare providers may feel a lump or swelling in the child’s abdomen.
Choice C rationale
Swollen joints are not a typical symptom of Wilms’ tumor. They are more commonly associated with conditions that affect the joints, such as juvenile arthritis.
Choice D rationale
Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of Wilms’ tumor. It is more commonly a symptom of gastrointestinal illnesses.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Projectile vomiting is a common symptom in infants with pyloric stenosis. This is due to the narrowing of the pylorus, the muscular valve at the bottom of the stomach, which prevents breast milk or formula from passing through to the small intestine.
Choice B rationale
Effortless regurgitation is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is not a typical symptom of pyloric stenosis. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.
Choice D rationale
While a distended abdomen can occur in some cases of pyloric stenosis, it is not the most common symptom. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.
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