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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct order, as obtaining blood cultures should be done after starting high dose antibiotics, not before. This is because antibiotics can interfere with the detection of bacteria in the blood and affect the accuracy of the diagnosis¹.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct order, as administering high dose steroids is not indicated for infective endocarditis, unless there is evidence of severe inflammation or allergic reaction. Steroids can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection².
Choice C reason: This is not the correct order, as starting the child on high dose aspirin is not recommended for infective endocarditis, unless there is evidence of thromboembolic complications or Kawasaki disease. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the action of antibiotics³.
Choice D reason: This is the correct order, as starting high dose antibiotics, obtaining serial blood cultures, and putting the child on high flow oxygen are the appropriate interventions for infective endocarditis. Antibiotics are the main treatment to eradicate the infection and prevent complications. Serial blood cultures are done to monitor the response to antibiotics and identify the causative organism. High flow oxygen is given to improve the oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion¹².
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct statement, as somnolence, hypotension, and oliguria are signs of decompensated shock, not compensated shock. These indicate that the child's blood pressure and urine output are dropping, and that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement, as hypotension is a sign of decompensated shock, not compensated shock. This indicates that the child's blood pressure is falling below normal levels, and that the compensatory mechanisms are failing.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement, as bradycardia is a sign of irreversible shock, not compensated shock. This indicates that the child's heart rate is slowing down, and that the heart is failing to pump blood effectively.
Choice D reason: This is the correct statement, as irritability, tachycardia, and poor peripheral perfusion are signs of compensated shock. These indicate that the child is experiencing anxiety and discomfort, that the heart is beating faster to maintain blood pressure, and that the blood vessels are constricting to divert blood to vital organs.
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