A nurse is caring for a child with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Which dietary change should the nurse recommend?

Choice A rationale

Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in children with spina bifida due to the potential for meningitis and urinary tract infections related to neurological deficits and potential openings in the spinal cord. Normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 11,000 per microliter, and fever, redness, swelling, or purulent drainage would indicate infection.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging mobility is important to promote development and prevent complications like contractures. However, in the immediate postoperative period or with significant neurological impairment, maintaining skin integrity takes precedence to prevent infection and further complications.

Choice C rationale

Providing nutritional support is essential for growth and development in children with spina bifida, who may have feeding difficulties or increased metabolic needs. Adequate nutrition supports overall health, but preventing skin breakdown in areas prone to pressure is a more immediate concern.

Choice D rationale

Maintaining skin integrity is the most important intervention because children with spina bifida often have sensory and motor deficits that make them susceptible to pressure ulcers, especially over bony prominences and the surgical site if a myelomeningocele repair has occurred. Skin breakdown can lead to serious infections and complications.

Choice A rationale

Oral contraceptive pills primarily work by suppressing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining, leading to lighter and less painful periods. While effective for dysmenorrhea, they are not typically the first-line treatment for a 12-year-old experiencing recent onset, as other less hormonally impactful options are usually tried first.

Choice B rationale

Increasing dairy intake primarily impacts bone health due to its calcium content. While calcium plays a role in muscle function, there is no strong scientific evidence directly linking increased dairy consumption to the reduction of menstrual pain caused by prostaglandins and uterine contractions in dysmenorrhea.

Choice C rationale

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are key mediators of inflammation and pain. During menstruation, the uterus releases prostaglandins, causing contractions and pain. By blocking prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs effectively reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. The medical term for severe pain during menstruation is dysmenorrhea.

Choice D rationale

Applying a heating pad to the abdomen provides localized warmth, which can help to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and increase blood flow. This can offer symptomatic relief from menstrual cramps by reducing muscle spasms and alleviating discomfort, but it does not address the underlying physiological cause of dysmenorrhea.