An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?
- A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
- B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
- C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
- D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect because cellular metabolism being unstable is not the primary explanation for the symptoms described. Choice B is incorrect as the proportion of water in the body alone does not fully explain the increased risk of dehydration in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while renal function is immature in children, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to the increased fluid requirements.
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A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse's best initial action?
- A. Attempt to open the jaw.
- B. Place the child on the floor.
- C. Call out for assistance from staff.
- D. Place a pillow under the child's head.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor. This action helps prevent injury by providing a safe environment and allows for better management of the seizure episode. Attempting to open the jaw is not recommended as it may cause harm to the child or the nurse. Calling out for assistance is important but should not delay ensuring the child's safety first. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not advisable during a seizure as it can pose a risk of suffocation or choking.
The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As part of the plan of care, the nurse focuses on maintaining his cardiopulmonary function. Which intervention would the nurse implement to best promote maximum chest expansion?
- A. Deep-breathing exercises
- B. Upright positioning
- C. Coughing
- D. Chest percussion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Upright positioning is the most appropriate intervention to promote maximum chest expansion in a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By keeping the child in an upright position, lung expansion is maximized, which improves breathing efficiency. Deep-breathing exercises may help with overall lung function but do not directly promote chest expansion. Coughing and chest percussion are more related to airway clearance and do not specifically address maximizing chest expansion.
The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia
- B. Deficient knowledge related to the presence of a genetic disorder
- C. Delayed growth and development related to a cognitive impairment
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to poor muscle tone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome, whose mother had no prenatal care, is imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia. Newborns with Down syndrome often experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, which can lead to inadequate nutrition intake. Option B is incorrect because at this age, the infant is not capable of having knowledge deficits related to a genetic disorder. Option C is incorrect as delayed growth and development are not the immediate priority in this scenario. Option D is incorrect as impaired physical mobility is not typically a priority concern for a newborn with Down syndrome.
What type of play does a caregiver expect when observing a toddler in a playroom with other children?
- A. Parallel
- B. Solitary
- C. Cooperative
- D. Competitive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When observing a toddler in a playroom with other children, a caregiver would expect to witness parallel play. Parallel play is common among toddlers, where they play alongside but not directly with other children. This type of play is characterized by children engaging in similar activities near each other without interactive or cooperative play. Solitary play (Choice B) involves a child playing alone, while cooperative play (Choice C) involves children playing together towards a common goal. Competitive play (Choice D) involves activities where children compete against each other.
When caring for a child diagnosed with bronchiolitis, what is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering bronchodilators
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
- D. Encouraging fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention aims to maintain airway patency, optimize oxygenation, and support effective breathing. Administering bronchodilators, though important, may not be the initial priority as respiratory therapy takes precedence in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial but is usually part of the ongoing assessment following the initiation of respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake is essential for hydration but is not the priority intervention when addressing the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.