A nurse is teaching the parents of a 5-year-old child admitted to the pediatric unit with cystic fibrosis.
Which teaching statement concerning steatorrheaic stools is most accurate?
They are black and tarry.
They are frothy, foul-smelling, and fatty.
They are clay-colored.
They are orange or green.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Black and tarry stools (melena) typically indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, where digested blood causes the dark color. This is not a characteristic of steatorrhea, which is caused by the presence of undigested fat. Steatorrhea results from pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, a common feature of cystic fibrosis.
Choice B rationale
Steatorrheaic stools are classically described as frothy, foul-smelling, and fatty due to the malabsorption of fats. The lack of pancreatic lipase, a characteristic of cystic fibrosis, prevents proper fat digestion. This undigested fat is then excreted, leading to stools that are bulky, pale, and often float due to their high fat content.
Choice C rationale
Clay-colored stools are indicative of a lack of bile pigment, suggesting an obstruction of the bile ducts or liver dysfunction. While liver involvement can occur in cystic fibrosis, clay-colored stools are not the primary descriptor for steatorrhea resulting from pancreatic insufficiency.
Choice D rationale
Orange or green stools are not typical descriptions for steatorrhea. Orange stools can sometimes be due to certain medications or foods, while green stools can result from rapid transit through the digestive system, where bile has not had time to be fully broken down. Neither describes the characteristic appearance of fatty stools.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Swimming is often recommended for asthmatic children because the warm, humid air around a swimming pool helps to keep airways moist, reducing the likelihood of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The horizontal body position also facilitates easier breathing and lessens the impact of gravity on respiratory effort.
Choice B rationale
Gymnastics involves short bursts of intense activity and often takes place in indoor environments where air quality might be variable or allergens present. The sudden, high-intensity exertion without sustained rhythmic breathing can trigger exercise-induced asthma, making it less ideal for asthmatic children due to fluctuating energy demands.
Choice C rationale
Baseball involves intermittent activity with periods of rest, allowing for recovery between bursts of exertion. This stop-and-go nature, combined with playing outdoors in potentially open air, generally makes it a suitable sport for children with asthma as it reduces the continuous strenuous effort that can trigger bronchospasm.
Choice D rationale
Cross-country skiing, especially in cold, dry air, is a significant trigger for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic individuals. The combination of intense, sustained exertion and breathing cold, dry air rapidly irritates and constricts the airways, making it a high-risk activity for asthmatic children.
Choice E rationale
Distance running involves prolonged, continuous, and often high-intensity aerobic activity, which can lead to significant increases in minute ventilation. This sustained exertion, especially in varying environmental conditions, is a common and potent trigger for exercise-induced asthma, making it a challenging sport for many asthmatic children.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While support groups can be beneficial, this response is premature and dismisses the client's immediate emotional expression. It focuses on a generalized solution rather than exploring the client's individual feelings and the specific reasons for their social withdrawal. Understanding the underlying psychological impact of chronic illness is crucial for providing person-centered care.
Choice B rationale
Prescribing medication is outside the nurse's scope of practice. Furthermore, immediately suggesting an antianxiety agent without a comprehensive assessment of the client's mental and emotional state can mask the true source of their distress and prevent exploration of coping mechanisms or other interventions.
Choice C rationale
This therapeutic communication technique prioritizes active listening and allows the client to elaborate on their feelings and experiences. It demonstrates empathy and respect, fostering a trusting relationship. Understanding the client's perspective is fundamental to developing an individualized and effective care plan for managing the psychosocial challenges of COPD.
Choice D rationale
While friends can offer support, this statement generalizes and might not be relevant to the client's specific situation. It also shifts the focus away from the client's internal experience and onto external factors, potentially minimizing their current distress and the impact of their condition on social engagement.
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