The nurse receives a call from the mother of a 6-month-old who describes her child as alternately sleepy and fussy. She states that her infant vomited once this morning and had two episodes of diarrhea. The last episode contained mucous and a small amount of blood, stating "her stool kind of looks like currant jelly". She asks the nurse what she should do. Select the nurse's best response.
Many infants display these symptoms when they develop an allergy to their formula. Try switching to a soy based formula.
Try feeding the infant in about 30 minutes; in the event of repeat vomiting, bring the infant to the emergency department for some tests and intravenous rehydration.
Do not worry about the blood and mucous in the stool: it is not unusual for infants to have blood in their stools because their intestines are more sensitive.
Your infant will need to have some tests in the emergency room to determine if anything serious is going on.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the symptoms described by the mother are not typical of a formula allergy. A formula allergy would cause symptoms such as rash, hives, wheezing, or vomiting within minutes or hours of feeding. Switching to a soy based formula is not recommended without consulting a doctor, as some infants may also be allergic to soy.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because feeding the infant after vomiting and diarrhea may worsen the condition and cause more dehydration. The infant should be given small amounts of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or breastmilk to prevent fluid loss. If the infant cannot tolerate oral fluids or shows signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or lethargy, they should be taken to the emergency department for intravenous rehydration.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because blood and mucous in the stool are not normal findings in infants and should be investigated promptly. They may indicate a serious condition such as intussusception, which is a telescoping of the bowel that causes obstruction and inflammation. The stool may look like currant jelly due to the presence of blood and mucous. Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice D reason: This is correct because the infant's symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as intussusception, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The infant should be taken to the emergency room for further evaluation and management. The nurse should also advise the mother to monitor the infant's vital signs, hydration status, and urine output until they reach the hospital.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a good choice. Watching for signs of cyanosis and administering high dose steroids are not the first steps in managing infective endocarditis. Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia and steroids are not indicated for this condition.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice. Obtaining blood cultures, administering high dose antibiotics, and assessing for cardiac decompensation are the priority interventions for a child with infective endocarditis. Blood cultures are needed to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy. High dose antibiotics are needed to eradicate the infection and prevent further damage to the heart valves. Cardiac decompensation is a serious complication of infective endocarditis that can lead to heart failure and shock.
Choice C reason: This is not a good choice. Starting high dose antibiotics, obtaining serial blood cultures, and putting the child on high flow oxygen are not the best order of management for infective endocarditis. Blood cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotics to avoid false negative results. High flow oxygen may not be necessary unless the child has signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress.
Choice D reason: This is not a good choice. Obtaining CBC, CXR and starting child on high dose aspirin are not the first steps in managing infective endocarditis. CBC and CXR are useful tests to monitor the infection and the cardiac function, but they are not as urgent as blood cultures. High dose aspirin is not recommended for infective endocarditis as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as sodium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Sodium excess, or hypernatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is too high, which can result from excessive intake or loss of water. The symptoms of sodium excess may include thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as overhydration is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Overhydration, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body has too much fluid, which can result from excessive intake or retention of water. The symptoms of overhydration may include edema, weight gain, shortness of breath, or crackles in the lungs.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as dehydration is the most likely cause of the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate intake of water. The symptoms of dehydration may include dry skin, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, or lethargy.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as calcium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Calcium excess, or hypercalcemia, is a condition where the blood calcium level is too high, which can result from hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium. The symptoms of calcium excess may include nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, or kidney stones.
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