Nursing care of the infant and child with congestive heart failure includes
Force fluids appropriate in age
Organize activities to allow for uninterrupted sleep
monitor respirations during the active period
give larger feedings less often to conserve energy
The Correct Answer is A
Force fluids appropriate in age: It's important to ensure that the child receives an appropriate amount of fluids, taking into consideration their age and weight. This helps prevent dehydration and maintain adequate circulation.
In addition to option A, other important nursing care measures for infants and children with congestive heart failure include:
B. Organize activities to allow for uninterrupted sleep: Infants and children with heart failure may become fatigued easily, so it's important to create an environment that allows for sufficient rest and sleep.
C. Monitor respirations during active periods: Monitoring the child's respiratory rate and effort during active periods helps assess for signs of respiratory distress, which can be a manifestation of congestive heart failure.
D. Give smaller, more frequent feedings to conserve energy: Smaller, more frequent feedings can help reduce the energy expenditure required for digestion, making it easier for the child to eat and conserve energy for growth and development.
The focus of nursing care is to manage the symptoms of heart failure, support the child's overall well-being, and prevent complications. The specific interventions may vary based on the child's age, the severity of heart failure, and the underlying cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a complex congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart (left ventricle and aorta) is underdeveloped, making it unable to pump oxygenated blood effectively to the body. The treatment of HLHS typically involves a series of surgical interventions because it cannot be cured with a single surgery. The ultimate goal of treatment is to provide palliative care, which means managing the condition to improve the child's quality of life while waiting for a heart transplant. The surgical procedures are typically performed in stages, with the first surgery usually performed shortly after birth, followed by additional surgeries as the child grows.
Option B is not accurate because HLHS cannot be cured with a single surgery, and creating an opening between the atria and ventricles (e.g., the Norwood procedure) is one step in the staged surgical treatment, but it doesn't completely "cure" the condition.
Option C is not accurate because HLHS is primarily characterized by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta, not the displacement of the pulmonary and aortic arteries.
Option D refers to the use of prostaglandin to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and improve blood flow to the lungs, which can be part of the initial management of HLHS but is not a definitive treatment. Prostaglandin is used to stabilize the infant before surgical interventions are performed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Weighing the child daily (A) is the most accurate and objective method for monitoring fluid retention in a child with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome can lead to significant fluid retention due to proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. Daily weight measurements can detect even small changes in body weight, which may be indicative of fluid accumulation. It is a sensitive and specific measure for assessing fluid status.
B. Measuring the abdominal girth weekly (B) can provide some information about abdominal distension, but it is not as precise or sensitive as daily weight measurements. Weight gain or loss can occur without significant changes in abdominal girth, especially in children.
C. Counting the number of wet diapers (C) may provide some information about urinary output, but it does not directly measure overall fluid retention or body weight changes. It is not as reliable as daily weight measurements for assessing fluid status.
D. Testing the urine for hematuria (D) is a valuable diagnostic test to assess kidney function and the presence of blood in the urine, but it does not directly measure fluid retention. Hematuria is not typically the primary indicator of fluid overload in nephrotic syndrome.
In summary, daily weight measurements are the best way to monitor fluid retention in a child with nephrotic syndrome, as they provide a direct and objective assessment of changes in fluid status. This allows healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the child's treatment plan if necessary.
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