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 A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible.
Choice A rationale:
Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible. This is the correct choice. When educating the parents and child with cystic fibrosis about the administration of pancreatic enzymes, it's important to emphasize that these enzymes should be given between meals whenever feasible. Administering them between meals, when the stomach is less acidic and less likely to release the enzymes prematurely, ensures optimal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This approach aligns with the physiological need to supplement pancreatic enzyme function due to the inadequate natural enzyme production in cystic fibrosis.
Choice B rationale:
Pancreatic enzymes can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount of food taken at the beginning of a meal. This choice is a valid option for administering pancreatic enzymes. While it's true that the enzymes can be taken either by swallowing the capsules whole or by opening them and sprinkling the contents on a small amount of food at the start of a meal, this method can vary based on individual preferences and abilities. However, the primary focus should be on timing (between meals) to achieve the best enzymatic action.
Choice C rationale:
Do not administer pancreatic enzymes if the child is receiving antibiotics. This statement is not accurate. There is no general contraindication to administering pancreatic enzymes while a child is on antibiotics. However, it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of all the medications the child is taking to ensure there are no potential drug interactions or effects on absorption. Always consult with the healthcare team before adjusting the administration of any medication.
Choice D rationale:
Decrease the dose of pancreatic enzymes if the child is having frequent, bulky stools. This statement is not consistent with typical practice. If a child is experiencing frequent, bulky stools, it may actually indicate that the pancreatic enzyme dosage needs adjustment (increasing the dose rather than decreasing). Bulky stools can suggest poor digestion and absorption, which might require more enzymes to properly break down nutrients. Dosage adjustments should always be made under the guidance of the healthcare provider based on factors such as stool consistency, weight gain, and nutritional status.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are choices A and E: Institute cluster care to encourage adequate rest and Place on noninvasive oxygen monitoring.
Choice A rationale:
Institute cluster care to encourage adequate rest. This is a correct choice. Cluster care involves grouping nursing interventions together to minimize disruptions to the child's rest. Adequate rest is crucial for the healing process in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
Choice B rationale:
Administer cough syrup. This choice is incorrect for RSV bronchiolitis. Cough syrup is not recommended for infants with bronchiolitis. RSV primarily affects the lower respiratory tract and can cause airway inflammation, making cough syrup potentially ineffective and unnecessary.
Choice C rationale:
Administer antibiotics. This choice is incorrect for RSV bronchiolitis. RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Antibiotics should only be used when there is a bacterial infection or a clear indication.
Choice D rationale:
Encourage infant to drink 8 ounces of formula every 4 hours. This choice is not the best approach for managing RSV bronchiolitis. Infants with RSV may experience decreased appetite due to respiratory distress. Smaller, more frequent feedings are often recommended to prevent overfeeding and aspiration.
Choice E rationale:
Place on noninvasive oxygen monitoring. This is a correct choice. RSV bronchiolitis can cause respiratory distress and compromise oxygenation. Noninvasive oxygen monitoring helps assess the child's oxygen levels and aids in determining the need for supplemental oxygen therapy.
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