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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a strong support system is beneficial for managing chronic illness, the client's physical presentation (thin and disheveled) suggests potential issues with self-care and functional status. Inquiring about support before assessing their immediate physical needs might overlook critical information directly related to their health and well-being.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the client's understanding of their disease is important for education and adherence, but their current appearance indicates a more immediate need for assessment of their ability to perform basic activities of daily living due to respiratory compromise. Understanding their disease might not directly address their physical decline.
Choice C rationale
The client's appearance (thin and disheveled) strongly suggests a decline in functional status, often linked to increased dyspnea and the energy expenditure required for basic activities. Asking about shortness of breath with activities directly addresses a common and debilitating symptom of COPD that impacts self-care, nutrition, and overall well-being, providing critical assessment data.
Choice D rationale
While medication adherence is vital in COPD management, focusing solely on medications might miss the broader picture of their functional decline and the impact of their symptoms on their ability to perform daily tasks. The physical appearance suggests a more comprehensive assessment of their functional limitations is needed first.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining strict bed rest for a toddler with pneumonia may lead to adverse effects such as muscle deconditioning and delayed motor skill development. Prolonged immobility can also increase the risk of atelectasis and venous stasis due to reduced pulmonary expansion and impaired circulation. Promoting some level of activity, as tolerated, is crucial for maintaining physiological and psychological well-being.
Choice B rationale
Considering the age of the toddler is critical because their developmental stage dictates their understanding, cooperation, and physical needs. Toddlers have a limited attention span and a strong need for mobility and exploration. Age-appropriate interventions ensure compliance and minimize distress while supporting their recovery from pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the developmental level is essential as it provides insight into the toddler's cognitive abilities, gross and fine motor skills, and social-emotional needs. This assessment helps in tailoring interventions, such as play activities, to be both engaging and therapeutic, preventing developmental regression during the period of illness and bed rest.
Choice D rationale
Implementing light play activities promotes psychological well-being and prevents developmental stagnation during bed rest. Play can improve lung expansion by encouraging deeper breaths, which aids in preventing atelectasis. It also provides a form of gentle exercise, maintaining muscle tone and reducing boredom while the toddler recovers from pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Providing hypnotic medication as ordered is generally not indicated for a toddler with pneumonia unless severe agitation or sleep disturbances significantly impede recovery. Sedation can depress respiratory drive, potentially worsening respiratory compromise in a child with pneumonia by reducing effective coughing and clearance of secretions.
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