A young child is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Therapeutic management of this child will begin with which intervention?
Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time.
Administration of antidiarrheal medication.
Oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Intravenous fluids.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Choice A rationale:
Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, might not be sufficient to adequately rehydrate a child with severe dehydration. Clear liquids lack the necessary electrolytes and glucose content to effectively combat dehydration and replace lost fluids.
Choice B rationale:
Administration of antidiarrheal medication is not the initial step in managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications can slow down the gastrointestinal motility, which may exacerbate the problem by delaying the elimination of the causative agent and prolonging the dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the recommended initial intervention for managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS contains the appropriate balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and glucose to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby helping to rehydrate the child effectively. It is absorbed even when digestion is impaired due to the illness.
Choice D rationale:
Intravenous fluids might be necessary if the child's condition is very severe and oral intake cannot be maintained. However, it's not the first-line intervention. Oral rehydration is preferred whenever feasible because it is less invasive and can be administered even in mild to moderate dehydration cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. First stage.
Choice A rationale:
There is no fourth stage of Lyme disease. Lyme disease typically progresses through three stages: early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated. The symptoms mentioned in the question are more indicative of earlier stages of the disease.
Choice B rationale:
The child is likely exhibiting symptoms of the first stage of Lyme disease, known as early localized Lyme disease. This stage is characterized by the appearance of small annular (circular) lesions known as erythema migrans. These lesions are often red and have a clear center, resembling a "bull's-eye" pattern. This stage occurs within days to weeks after a tick bite and is usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
There is no third stage of Lyme disease. The third stage is considered the late disseminated stage, which occurs months to years after the initial infection. It typically involves more severe symptoms, such as arthritis, neurological issues, and cardiac abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
There is no second stage of Lyme disease. The second stage is the early disseminated stage, which occurs weeks to a few months after the tick bite. It involves the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as multiple erythema migrans lesions, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Cardiac valve damage.
Choice A rationale:
Pulmonary hypertension is not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain, and pulmonary hypertension is not a typical manifestation of this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiac valve damage is a common and serious complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is caused by an autoimmune reaction to untreated streptococcal infections, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes. The immune response targets not only the streptococcal bacteria but also the body's own tissues, especially heart valves. This can lead to inflammation of the heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic heart disease. Over time, repeated bouts of rheumatic fever can result in significant damage to the heart valves, leading to valve insufficiency or stenosis. This can ultimately cause heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
Choice C rationale:
Seizures are not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart and other body systems, but it does not typically lead to seizures.
Choice D rationale:
Cardiac arrhythmias are possible complications of rheumatic fever, but they are not as common or significant as cardiac valve damage. The inflammation and scarring caused by rheumatic fever can disrupt the electrical pathways of the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias. However, the more prevalent and severe consequence of rheumatic fever is the damage to the heart valves.
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