The nurse is caring for a 5-week-old infant with suspected hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Which clinical manifestation would indicate this condition?

Choice A reason:

Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to decreased blood flow, which can cause muscle and nerve damage. It is typically associated with severe trauma, fractures, or crush injuries. The symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and decreased sensation or movement in the affected limb. In this case, the child’s symptoms of redness, swelling, and tenderness following a spider bite, along with an elevated WBC, are more indicative of an infection rather than compartment syndrome.

Choice B Reason:

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, which can occur following an injury or infection elsewhere in the body. The symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected area, along with fever and elevated WBC. Given the child’s history of a spider bite and the presence of redness, swelling, tenderness, and elevated WBC, osteomyelitis is the most likely diagnosis. The unremarkable X-ray does not rule out osteomyelitis, as early stages of the infection may not show changes on X-ray.

Choice C Reason:

Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is not associated with infections or elevated WBC. The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta include frequent fractures, blue sclerae, and hearing loss. The child’s symptoms of redness, swelling, and tenderness following a spider bite, along with an elevated WBC, are not consistent with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Choice D Reason:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that occurs in children. It is characterized by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and swelling. While JIA can cause joint tenderness and swelling, it is not typically associated with a recent injury or infection, such as a spider bite. Additionally, JIA does not usually cause elevated WBC. The child’s symptoms are more indicative of an infection, making osteomyelitis the more likely diagnosis.

Choice A reason:

Reducing blood pressure is not a primary management goal for nephrotic syndrome in children. While hypertension can be a complication of nephrotic syndrome, the main focus of treatment is on managing proteinuria, edema, and preventing complications. Blood pressure management may be necessary, but it is not the primary goal.

Choice B reason:

Increasing the excretion of urinary protein is not a desired goal in the management of nephrotic syndrome. In fact, one of the main objectives is to reduce proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine) because it leads to hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood) and edema. Therefore, increasing urinary protein excretion would worsen the condition.

Choice C reason:

Increasing the ability of tissues to retain fluid is not a management goal for nephrotic syndrome. The condition is characterized by edema due to fluid retention, and the goal is to reduce this edema by managing proteinuria and using diuretics if necessary. Therefore, increasing fluid retention would be counterproductive.

Choice D reason:

Reducing the excretion of urinary protein is a primary management goal for nephrotic syndrome1. Proteinuria is a hallmark of the condition, and reducing it helps to alleviate hypoalbuminemia and edema. Treatment often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protein leakage, as well as other medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.