Pancreatic enzymes are administered to the child with cystic fibrosis. What information should be included in patient education concerning the administration of these enzymes?
Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible.
Pancreatic enzymes can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount of food taken at the beginning of a meal.
Do not administer pancreatic enzymes if the child is receiving antibiotics.
Decrease the dose of pancreatic enzymes if the child is having frequent, bulky stools.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Avoiding use for more than 3 days.
Choice A rationale:
Recommending avoiding the use of decongestant nose drops for more than 3 days is crucial due to the risk of rebound congestion. Decongestant nose drops work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to alleviate congestion. Prolonged use can lead to a phenomenon known as rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become more congested once the medication wears off, causing the person to use the drops more frequently. This can result in a cycle of worsening congestion and overuse of the medication, which can be counterproductive and harmful. Limiting the use of decongestant nose drops to 3 days helps prevent this rebound effect and encourages the use of alternative treatments if congestion persists.
Choice B rationale:
Administering drops until nasal congestion subsides is not the recommended approach. Prolonged use of decongestant nose drops can lead to rebound congestion, as mentioned earlier. Using the drops until congestion subsides might extend their use beyond the safe period and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping drops to use again for nasal congestion is not advised. While it's important to follow the medication's storage instructions, relying on decongestant nose drops for recurring nasal congestion can lead to overuse and rebound congestion. This choice does not address the potential risks associated with prolonged use.
Choice D rationale:
Administering drops after feedings and at bedtime is not a standard recommendation for decongestant nose drops. The timing of administration is not a primary concern in the context of decongestant use. Instead, the focus should be on the duration of use and the potential for rebound congestion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Potassium.
Choice A rationale:
Diuretics like furosemide are commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. They work by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium, from the body. Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Since furosemide can cause potassium loss, it's important to ensure an adequate intake of potassium-rich foods. Bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables are excellent sources of potassium. Therefore, the nurse encourages the family to include these foods in the child's diet to help maintain a healthy potassium balance.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium is an important electrolyte, but in the context of congestive heart failure and diuretic use, the focus is more on avoiding excessive sodium intake. Diuretics like furosemide aim to reduce fluid retention by increasing sodium excretion, so it's not necessary to recommend high-sodium foods. Moreover, excessive sodium intake could exacerbate fluid retention and worsen the heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
Chlorides are often found in table salt (sodium chloride) and are not typically emphasized in the context of heart failure treatment or diuretic use. While they play a role in maintaining electrolyte balance, they are not the primary focus in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Zinc is a mineral that is not directly related to the treatment of congestive heart failure or the use of diuretics. It is important for various cellular functions and immune system support, but it's not the electrolyte of concern in this situation.
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