The nurse is caring for an infant whose cleft lip was repaired. What important aspects of this infant’s postoperative care should be included?

Choice A reason:

A diet consisting of low-fat, low-carbohydrate foods is not specifically recommended for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. While a balanced diet is important, the primary dietary focus should be on reducing sodium intake to prevent fluid retention and manage edema. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.

Choice B reason:

Decreasing the number of calories in the child’s diet is not a primary recommendation for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. The focus should be on reducing sodium intake rather than calorie restriction. Adequate nutrition is essential for the child’s overall health and recovery1. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.

Choice C reason:

Avoiding adding salt to the child’s food is a key recommendation for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. Sodium can lead to water retention, which can worsen edema and increase blood pressure. A low-sodium diet helps to reduce fluid retention and manage the symptoms of glomerulonephritis. This is the most appropriate dietary recommendation for managing severe edema in this condition.

Choice D reason:

Increasing the amount of protein in the child’s diet is not recommended for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis1. In fact, protein intake may need to be monitored and possibly restricted to prevent the buildup of waste products in the blood1. The primary dietary focus should be on reducing sodium intake to manage edema. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.

The correct answer is c. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Choice A reason:

Aspirin was once commonly used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but it is no longer the first-line treatment due to its potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues and Reye’s syndrome in children. While it can still be used in some cases, it is not the preferred initial treatment.

Choice B Reason:

Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms of JIA, but they are not typically used as the first-line treatment due to their potential side effects, including weight gain, growth suppression, and increased risk of infections. They are usually reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments have failed.

Choice C Reason:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first-line treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. They help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function. NSAIDs are generally well-tolerated and have a long track record of safety and effectiveness in managing JIA.

Choice D Reason:

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, are used in the treatment of JIA, but they are not typically the first-line treatment. DMARDs are often prescribed when NSAIDs are not sufficient to control the symptoms or when the disease is more severe. They help slow the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage.