A nurse is caring for a child with gastroenteritis. The child's mother says, "I don't understand why my child can't have any medicine for the diarrhea." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"Diarrhea is a natural defense mechanism to eliminate the infectious agent.”
"Medicine for diarrhea can worsen the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.”
"Giving medicine for diarrhea can cause adverse effects like toxic megacolon.”
"Diarrhea is a common symptom of gastroenteritis, and it will resolve on its own.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea is not primarily a defense mechanism to eliminate infectious agents. It is usually a response to infections and can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte losses, which can be harmful.
Choice B rationale:
Medicines for diarrhea can interfere with the body's natural process of eliminating the infectious agent. Moreover, some anti-diarrheal medications can slow down the bowel motility, which may worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice C rationale:
Toxic megacolon is a severe complication of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, not a common adverse effect of diarrhea medicines. This response may confuse the mother and is not directly related to the child's gastroenteritis.
Choice D rationale:
While it is true that diarrhea is a common symptom of gastroenteritis and usually resolves on its own, it is important to address the potential risks of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur, especially in children.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Boiling or filtering water before drinking helps prevent ingestion of contaminated water, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding sharing utensils helps prevent the spread of infectious agents that can cause gastroenteritis.
Choice C rationale:
Washing hands with soap and water before meals is essential to remove potential pathogens and prevent transmission.
Choice D rationale:
While keeping children indoors during the rainy season can reduce exposure to certain infections, it is not a direct measure to prevent gastroenteritis.
Choice E rationale:
Proper disposal of fecal matter helps prevent the contamination of water sources and food, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis transmission.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Onset and duration of fever is important for assessing the child's condition, but in the context of suspected gastroenteritis, focusing solely on fever may not provide a comprehensive assessment.
Choice B rationale:
Exposure to potential sources of infection is crucial in assessing gastroenteritis. Determining whether the child has been in contact with contaminated food, water, or individuals with similar symptoms helps identify the possible cause of gastroenteritis.
Choice C rationale:
Recent travel history is relevant for assessing certain types of infections, such as travel-related gastroenteritis from exposure to contaminated water or food in other regions. However, in a general assessment of suspected gastroenteritis, exposure to potential sources of infection (Choice B) is more pertinent.
Choice D rationale:
Presence of cough and sore throat is not directly related to gastroenteritis, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms are more characteristic of respiratory infections.
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