The nurse admits to the clinic a 7-month-old infant whose parents report that the baby has not had a bowel movement in 4 days.
What is the nurse’s best action?
Administer a glycerin suppository as prescribed.
Administer magnesium hydroxide as prescribed.
Encourage watchful waiting for 24 hours.
Encourage feeding supplementation with free water.
The Correct Answer is A
Glycerin suppositories are safe and effective for infants with constipation. They work by lubricating and softening the stool, and stimulating the rectal muscles to contract.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium hydroxide is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age, and may cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, or magnesium toxicity.
Choice C is wrong because watchful waiting for 24 hours may not be enough to relieve the infant’s discomfort and may lead to further complications such as fecal impaction or dehydration.
Choice D is wrong because feeding supplementation with free water may not be sufficient to treat constipation, and may dilute the infant’s intake of nutrients and electrolytes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias if the blood level is too high.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the effects of theophylline and raise the risk of toxicity.
Therefore, patients taking theophylline should avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
Choice A is wrong because eating foods high in potassium has no effect on theophylline metabolism or action.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, but it does not interact with theophylline.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of theophylline and cause gastric irritation.
Theophylline should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and prevent fluctuations in blood levels.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL a day can cause dehydration and increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood.
Theophylline
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypercalcemia is a condition caused by having too much calcium in the blood, which can affect the function of nerves, muscles, kidneys and heart. Hypercalcemia can occur in children due to various causes, both acquired and genetic. One of the most common causes of hypercalcemia in children is cancer, especially cancers that affect the bones or produce substances that mimic parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels.
Choice A is wrong because liver failure does not directly cause hypercalcemia, although it can affect vitamin D metabolism and calcium absorption.
Choice B is wrong because radiation injury does not cause hypercalcemia, unless it damages the parathyroid glands or causes bone destruction.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause hypercalcemia, although it can affect bone turnover and calcium excretion.
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