Phase 1
A 5 year old is brought to her pediatrician for an annual routine checkup. Her grandparents, who are also the legal guardians, are with her. The child has not seen her pediatrician in a year. The child recently had a visit to the urgent care center and was treated for strep throat. The grandparents are concerned about the child’s weight gain. They state no matter how much she eats she cannot gain weight and is hungry all of the time.
Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statements below by selecting from the lists of options provided.
While assessing the child the nurse recognizes that
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"A","dropdown-group-4":"A","dropdown-group-5":"A","dropdown-group-6":"A"}
While assessing the child, the nurse recognizes that sweet breath odor, dry mucous membranes, and poor weight gain are signs of diabetes mellitus, a possible diagnosis. The nurse anticipates the provider will order the following tests: urinalysis and blood sugar to help confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
Rationale:
Sweet breath odor: A fruity or sweet odor, often described as acetone-like, is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes mellitus. This occurs due to the breakdown of fats in the absence of sufficient insulin, producing ketones that are exhaled.
Dry mucous membranes: This is a common sign of dehydration, which can be caused by hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. High glucose levels lead to increased urine output and fluid loss.
Poor weight gain: Children with diabetes mellitus type 1 often experience unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite (polyphagia) because their bodies break down fat and muscle for energy due to insufficient insulin.
Most Likely Diagnosis:
Diabetes mellitus: The combination of symptoms (sweet breath odor, dry mucous membranes, and poor weight gain) strongly suggests diabetes mellitus, likely type 1 diabetes. This condition often presents with hyperglycemia, dehydration, and weight loss despite increased hunger.
Tests to Confirm or Rule Out the Diagnosis:
Urinalysis: This is used to check for the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine, which can help diagnose diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Blood sugar: A blood glucose test is essential for confirming diabetes mellitus. Elevated blood glucose levels are a hallmark of the disease, and testing will provide insight into the child’s current glucose levels, confirming or ruling out diabetes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Urine creatinine is used to assess kidney function and is not helpful in diagnosing CF.
B. The sweat chloride test is the gold standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. Elevated chloride levels in sweat are characteristic of CF.
C. Serum calcium levels are not specific to CF diagnosis.
D. Bronchoscopy is used for assessing airway involvement but is not the primary test for diagnosing CF.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Skipping blood sugar checks could lead to undetected hypo- or hyperglycemia, so regular checks are essential.
B. Illness typically requires more insulin, not less, as the body is under stress.
C. Irritability, sweating, and shakiness are more likely signs of hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.
D. Thirst and stomach aches are common symptoms of hyperglycemia, so the child should check blood sugar when experiencing these signs.
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