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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activated charcoal is often used in cases of drug overdose or poisoning, including aspirin ingestion. It works by binding to the drug or toxin in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed into the body. This makes activated charcoal an effective treatment for aspirin overdose in a toddler.
Choice B rationale
A chelating agent is a substance that can bind to heavy metals in the body, helping to remove them. While useful in cases of heavy metal poisoning, it would not be the first choice for an aspirin overdose.
Choice C rationale
Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, not aspirin. It works by replenishing glutathione, a substance that helps to detoxify the liver.
Choice D rationale
Digoxin immune FAB is used to treat digoxin toxicity. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, and it is not related to aspirin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The first action a nurse should take upon finding a school-age child having a seizure is to ease the person to the floor and turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe and can prevent injury.
Choice B rationale
Administering an anticonvulsant medication is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
Choice C rationale
Applying oxygen by nasal cannula is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
Choice D rationale
Checking the client’s oxygen saturation is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
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