A nurse is caring for a child who has Addison's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the child on a low-sodium diet
Discuss the manifestations of hyperglycemia with the parents
Monitor the child for fluid volume excess
Teach the parents about cortisol replacement therapy
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: A low-sodium diet is not recommended for a child who has Addison's disease, as they need more sodium to maintain their blood pressure and fluid balance. A high-sodium diet may be advised instead. ¹
Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a common manifestation of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of cortisol, which normally raises blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more likely to occur and should be monitored and treated. ²
Choice C reason: Fluid volume excess, or edema, is not a common complication of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of aldosterone, which normally retains sodium and water in the body. Fluid volume deficit, or dehydration, is more likely to occur and should be prevented and corrected. ³
Choice D reason: Cortisol replacement therapy is the main treatment for Addison's disease, as it helps restore the normal function of the adrenal glands and prevent adrenal crisis. The parents should be taught about the dosage, timing, and side effects of the medication, as well as the signs and symptoms of underdose and overdose. They should also be instructed to increase the dose during times of stress, illness, or injury, and to carry an emergency injection kit. ⁴.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intravenous immunoglobulin is a likely prescription, as it is used to treat Kawasaki disease, which is a rare but serious condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in children. The toddler has many signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease, such as high fever, irritability, red eyes, dry lips, strawberry tongue, swollen hands and feet, rash, and enlarged lymph node. Intravenous immunoglobulin can reduce the risk of complications, such as coronary artery aneurysms, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B reason: Oral acyclovir is not a probable prescription, as it is used to treat viral infections, such as herpes simplex or varicella zoster, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no evidence of a viral infection, such as blisters, vesicles, or crusts.
Choice C reason: Intramuscular penicillin is not a likely prescription, as it is used to treat bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis or syphilis, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no signs of a bacterial infection, such as purulent discharge, foul odor, or localized inflammation.
Choice D reason: Topical hydrocortisone is not a helpful prescription, as it is used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a rash that is caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels, not by an allergic or irritant reaction. Topical hydrocortisone may also worsen the rash or cause skin thinning or infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not adjust the length of the straps of the Pavlik harness by themselves, as this may affect the position and stability of the infant's hips. The nurse should instruct the parents to bring the infant to the provider's office regularly for check-ups and adjustments of the harness.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not breastfeed the infant while wearing the harness, as this may interfere with the proper alignment and function of the harness. The nurse should instruct the parents to remove the harness before breastfeeding the infant, and to reapply it after feeding.
Choice C reason: This is a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should place the diaper under the straps of the harness, as this prevents the diaper from interfering with the position and function of the harness. The nurse should instruct the parents to change the diaper frequently and to avoid using bulky or cloth diapers.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not remove the harness when bathing the infant, as this may interrupt the treatment and cause complications. The nurse should instruct the parents to sponge bathe the infant while wearing the harness, and to keep the harness clean and dry.
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