The nurse is caring for an infant admitted with dehydration, irritability, signs of extreme hunger, and a palpable olive-like mass in the upper right abdominal quadrant. When feeding the infant, the nurse should monitor for which development?
Coffee-ground emesis.
Frequent pauses.
Projectile vomiting.
Arched back.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Coffee-ground emesis is not the development that the nurse should monitor for. This is a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can be caused by ulcers, gastritis, or esophageal varices. It is not related to the infant's condition, which is likely pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.
Choice B reason: Frequent pauses are not the development that the nurse should monitor for. This is a normal behavior for infants during feeding, as they need to take breaks to breathe and swallow. It is not indicative of any problem or complication.
Choice C reason: Projectile vomiting is the development that the nurse should monitor for. This is a common symptom of pyloric stenosis, a condition that affects about 3 out of 1,000 infants. It occurs when the muscle at the end of the stomach becomes thickened and blocks the passage of food into the small intestine. This causes the infant to vomit forcefully after feeding, leading to dehydration, hunger, and weight loss. The olive-like mass in the upper right abdomen is the enlarged pylorus muscle that can be felt through the skin.
Choice D reason: Arched back is not the development that the nurse should monitor for. This is a sign of pain or discomfort in infants, which can have various causes, such as colic, reflux, or ear infection. It is not specific to pyloric stenosis, although the infant may arch their back due to the abdominal pain caused by the condition. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Playing "peek-a-boo" is a normal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has developed object permanence, which is the understanding that objects and people still exist even when they are out of sight. This is a sign of cognitive development and social interaction.
Choice B reason: Turning head to locate sound is a normal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has developed auditory localization, which is the ability to identify the direction and distance of a sound source. This is a sign of sensory development and curiosity.
Choice C reason: Having doubled birth weight is a normal milestone for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has adequate growth and nutrition. The average birth weight for a full-term infant is about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), and the average weight for a 6-month-old infant is about 6.8 kg (15 lb).
Choice D reason: Demonstrating startle reflex is an abnormal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, is an involuntary response to a sudden loud noise or movement. The infant will extend the arms and legs, arch the back, and then curl the arms and legs inward. This reflex is present at birth and usually disappears by 4 months of age. If the reflex persists beyond 6 months of age, it may indicate a neurological problem or developmental delay. The nurse should request further evaluation by the health care provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Careful bathing and handling that avoids abdominal manipulation is the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children and can rupture or spread if touched or pressed. The nurse should avoid any unnecessary pressure on the abdomen and use gentle movements when bathing and handling the infant.
Choice B reason: Administering pain medication based on the FACES pain scale is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because the FACES pain scale is a tool that helps children aged 3 and older to communicate their pain level by pointing to a face that matches their pain. However, the infant in this scenario is too young to use this scale and may not be able to express their pain verbally. The nurse should use other methods to assess the infant's pain, such as observing their behavior, vital signs and facial expressions.
Choice C reason: Including the prone position in the every 2 hour turning schedule is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because the prone position, which is lying on the stomach, can increase the risk of rupture or spread of the tumor. The nurse should avoid placing the infant in this position and instead use other positions that are comfortable and safe for the infant.
Choice D reason: Giving antiemetic medications to prevent nausea and vomiting is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because antiemetic medications are drugs that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. However, the infant in this scenario has not yet undergone any of these treatments and may not have any symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The nurse should only give antiemetic medications if the infant shows signs of nausea and vomiting or if prescribed by the doctor.
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