Therapeutic management of the child with acute diarrhea and dehydration usually begins with what intervention?
Clear liquids
Absorbents such as kaolin and pectin
Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Antidiarrheal medications
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Clear liquids are not the best intervention for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Clear liquids are fluids that are transparent or translucent, such as water, broth, tea, or juice. They may provide some hydration, but they do not contain enough electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) to replace the losses from diarrhea. They may also worsen diarrhea by increasing the osmotic load in the gut.
Choice B reason: Absorbents such as kaolin and pectin are not recommended for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Absorbents are substances that bind to toxins, bacteria, or water in the gut, and are supposed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools. However, there is no evidence that they are effective or safe for children with diarrhea. They may also interfere with the absorption of other medications or nutrients.
Choice C reason: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the preferred intervention for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. ORS is a specially formulated solution that contains water, glucose, and electrolytes in the right proportions to replenish the losses from diarrhea. ORS can prevent or treat dehydration, and can also reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. ORS is widely available, inexpensive, and easy to use. It should be given to children with diarrhea as soon as possible, and continued until the diarrhea stops.
Choice D reason: Antidiarrheal medications are not advised for acute diarrhea and dehydration in children. Antidiarrheal medications are drugs that slow down the movement of the gut, reduce the secretion of fluids, or kill the bacteria that cause diarrhea. However, they are not effective for viral diarrhea, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. They may also have serious side effects, such as constipation, abdominal pain, drowsiness, or allergic reactions. They may also mask the symptoms of more serious conditions, such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the best description of fear in school-age children. Fear of body integrity is more common in preschoolers, who may worry about losing body parts or being harmed by monsters or animals.
Choice B reason: This is the best description of fear in school-age children. As they develop cognitively and socially, they become more aware of realistic threats and challenges, such as academic performance, peer acceptance, family problems, or natural disasters.
Choice C reason: This is not a good advice for school-age children. Hiding their fears may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, or isolation. They should be encouraged to express their fears and seek support from trusted adults or peers.
Choice D reason: This is not a healthy way to cope with fear in school-age children. Continuous protective behavior by parents may reinforce the child's fears and prevent them from developing coping skills and resilience. Parents should provide reassurance, guidance, and exposure to the feared situations in a gradual and safe manner.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct statement. The mother should be offered testing, but not forced to do so. However, the nurse should explain the benefits of testing and treatment for the mother and the infant.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. The infant should not wait until 12 months old to begin ART. According to the World Health Organization, all infants diagnosed with HIV should start ART as soon as possible, regardless of their age or clinical stage¹.
Choice C reason: This is the correct statement. The infant should be immediately placed on ART to reduce the risk of disease progression, opportunistic infections, and mortality. Early initiation of ART can also improve the infant's growth, development, and quality of life.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct statement. The infant should not wait until they have a clinical manifestation of AIDS to begin ART. Delaying ART can increase the risk of irreversible damage to the immune system, organ failure, and death.
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