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?

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 Cis 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 Dis 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.

The CTZ has to be stimulated in order for vomiting to occur. The CTZ is located in the area postrema of the medulla oblongata and receives input from various sources, such as the blood, the vestibular system, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice A is wrong because the limbic system involves emotion, not vomiting or other forms of GI function.

Choice B is wrong because the hypothalamus regulates various functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms, but not vomiting.

Choice D is wrong because the medulla oblongata is responsible for autonomic functioning such as ventilation, cardiac conduction, and vomiting, but it is not the site of stimulation for vomiting.

The medulla oblongata contains the vomiting center, which receives signals from the CTZ and other sources and initiates the act of vomiting.