The practical nurse is caring for a preschooler with spina bifida who was admitted with a febrile urinary tract infection.
Which action should the practical nurse prioritize to minimize complications of vesicoureteral reflux?

Choice A rationale

Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors are typically associated with conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which involves neurodevelopmental differences affecting executive function and impulse control. While these behaviors can sometimes lead to accidents, they are not a direct sign of secondary enuresis.

Choice B rationale

Involuntary passage of feces, known as encopresis, is a distinct elimination disorder characterized by the repeated passage of stool into inappropriate places, often due to chronic constipation and overflow incontinence. It is a separate condition from enuresis, which specifically refers to involuntary urination.

Choice C rationale

Increased thirst, or polydipsia, is a common symptom of conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, where the body attempts to compensate for fluid imbalances or high glucose levels. While some medical conditions causing enuresis might also involve increased thirst, it is not a direct sign of enuresis itself.

Choice D rationale

Declining invitations for sleepovers is a behavioral manifestation often observed in children with enuresis. The fear of embarrassment and shame associated with involuntary urination during sleep can lead them to avoid situations where their condition might be exposed, such as overnight stays at friends' houses.

Choice A rationale

Administering ibuprofen may alleviate pain temporarily, but it does not address the underlying cause of increased pain and pressure, which could indicate a developing complication such as a perineal hematoma. Providing only symptomatic relief delays investigation and potential intervention for a serious issue.

Choice B rationale

Increased pain and pressure in the vaginal area following a perineal laceration, especially 6 hours postpartum, are classic signs of a developing perineal hematoma. This condition requires prompt medical evaluation by the healthcare provider to assess the extent of bleeding, potential for shock, and determine the need for surgical intervention.

Choice C rationale

Applying an icepack to the perineum is a common comfort measure for swelling and pain associated with lacerations. While it may provide some relief, it will not resolve a developing hematoma or significant internal bleeding that is causing increased pain and pressure. It is an insufficient intervention for the potential severity of the client's symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Providing routine perineal care, such as gentle cleansing and hygiene, is important for comfort and infection prevention. However, it does not address the acute and increasing pain and pressure that suggests a complication beyond typical postpartum discomfort. This intervention would delay necessary medical assessment for a potential hematoma.