A school-age child with nephrotic syndrome is receiving salt-poor human albumin IV. Which findings indicate to the nurse that the child is manifesting a therapeutic response?
Weight gain of 0.5 kg/day.
Decreased urinary output.
Decreased periorbital edema.
Increased periods of rest.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Weight gain of 0.5 kg/day is not a sign of a therapeutic response. It may indicate fluid retention, which is a common complication of nephrotic syndrome. Fluid retention occurs when the kidneys lose protein in the urine, leading to low blood protein levels and reduced oncotic pressure. This causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the tissues, resulting in edema and weight gain. The nurse should monitor the child's weight, fluid intake and output, and edema status.
Choice B reason: Decreased urinary output is not a sign of a therapeutic response. It may indicate kidney damage, which is a possible consequence of nephrotic syndrome. Kidney damage occurs when the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, become inflamed and scarred due to the loss of protein in the urine. This reduces the kidney's ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, resulting in oliguria or anuria. The nurse should measure the child's urine specific gravity, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels.
Choice C reason: Decreased periorbital edema is a sign of a therapeutic response. It indicates that the salt-poor human albumin IV is working to restore the blood protein levels and oncotic pressure. This helps to draw fluid back from the tissues into the blood vessels, reducing the swelling around the eyes and other parts of the body. The nurse should assess the child's skin turgor, capillary refill, and blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Increased periods of rest is not a sign of a therapeutic response. It may indicate fatigue, which is a common symptom of nephrotic syndrome. Fatigue occurs when the body loses protein and energy in the urine, leading to malnutrition and anemia. This causes the child to feel weak, tired, and lethargic. The nurse should provide the child with a high-protein, low-sodium diet, iron supplements, and adequate rest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the boy to describe a typical day at school is the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This can help the nurse identify any possible sources of stress or anxiety that may be causing the boy's physical symptoms. The nurse can also provide emotional support and guidance to the boy and his parents on how to cope with the school-related challenges.
Choice B reason: Conducting a complete neurological assessment is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This is not necessary unless the boy has other signs of neurological problems, such as seizures, vision changes, or altered mental status. A neurological assessment may also be invasive and uncomfortable for the boy and may increase his anxiety.
Choice C reason: Counseling the parents to pay more attention to the child is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may imply that the parents are neglectful or irresponsible, which may not be true. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the parents' behavior and instead collaborate with them to find the best solutions for the child's well-being.
Choice D reason: Comparing the child's vital signs over the past three weeks is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may not provide much useful information, as the child's vital signs may vary depending on the time of day, activity level, and emotional state. The nurse should focus more on the child's subjective complaints and psychosocial factors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active is the best response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can help prevent and correct the flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, by taking pressure off the back of the head and allowing the skull to reshape naturally. It can also promote the infant's motor development and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles. However, the nurse should also remind the mother to always place the infant on the back when sleeping, as this is the safest position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) .
Choice B reason: Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the infant may roll over to the stomach or suffocate from the bedding or the crib. It can also worsen the flat head syndrome by creating another flat spot on the left side of the head.
Choice C reason: Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the pillow may cover the infant's face or cause the infant to overheat. It can also interfere with the natural reshaping of the skull and cause neck strain.
Choice D reason: Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can put too much pressure on the spine and the pelvis, which are still developing in the infant. It can also limit the infant's movement and exploration, which are important for learning and development.
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