A nurse is planning care for a child who has severe diarrhea.
Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
Introduce a regular diet
Maintain fluid therapy
Rehydrate
Assess fluid balance
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
Introducing a regular diet is not the immediate priority for a child with severe diarrhea. The focus should be on stabilizing the child’s condition before reintroducing regular foods.
Choice B rationale:
Maintaining fluid therapy is important, but it is part of the broader goal of managing fluid balance. It is not the first step in addressing severe diarrhea.
Choice C rationale:
Rehydration is crucial, but it falls under the broader category of assessing and managing fluid balance. Ensuring the child is properly hydrated is part of the overall assessment.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing fluid balance is the priority action. This involves evaluating the child’s hydration status, monitoring for signs of dehydration, and ensuring that fluid therapy is appropriately managed. This step is critical to prevent complications from severe diarrhea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dark-colored urine is a common symptom of dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, their kidneys try to conserve water by concentrating the urine, which can make it appear darker. Choice B rationale
High blood pressure is not typically associated with dehydration. In fact, dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure due to a decrease in blood volume.
Choice C rationale
Distended neck veins are not typically a symptom of dehydration. They are more commonly associated with conditions that cause fluid overload, such as heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Moist skin is not typically a symptom of dehydration. In fact, one of the symptoms of severe dehydration can be dry, cool skin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pushing the syringe plunger to empty the formula faster is not recommended. This can lead to complications such as aspiration, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping. The formula should be allowed to flow slowly by gravity.
Choice B rationale
Holding the syringe high enough for the formula to empty gradually by gravity is the correct method for intermittent feeding. This allows for a slow, controlled flow of the formula, which can help prevent complications.
Choice C rationale
Positioning the patient in a supine position during feeding is not recommended. The patient should be in an upright position, at least 30 degrees, to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Flushing the tubing before feeding only is not correct. The tubing should be flushed before and after feedings to maintain patency and prevent clogging.
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