What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?
- A. Pyloric stenosis
- B. Intussusception
- C. Hirschsprung disease
- D. Celiac disease
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy?
- A. Supine
- B. Prone
- C. Side-lying
- D. Fowler's position
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Side-lying. The side-lying position is recommended after a tonsillectomy to facilitate drainage of secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration. This position helps prevent blood from pooling in the back of the throat, decreasing the chance of bleeding postoperatively. Supine (lying face up), while commonly used in other situations, may not be ideal immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from blood clots. Prone (lying face down) is not recommended as it can hinder breathing and increase the risk of complications. Fowler's position (semi-sitting) is also not typically used after a tonsillectomy because it may cause discomfort and hinder proper drainage.
What is a common sign of moderate dehydration in children?
- A. Dry mucous membranes
- B. Normal capillary refill
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of moderate dehydration in children, indicating a loss of bodily fluids. When a child is moderately dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may appear dry. This condition can occur due to various factors such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Normal capillary refill (choice B) is not typically associated with dehydration; it is a measure of circulatory status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice C) can be present in conditions like gastroenteritis but are not specific to dehydration. Edema (choice D) is the retention of fluid in the body and is not a typical sign of dehydration.
What is the typical presentation of pyloric stenosis in infants?
- A. Bilious vomiting
- B. Projectile vomiting
- C. Blood in stools
- D. Failure to thrive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projectile vomiting. Pyloric stenosis in infants typically presents with projectile vomiting, which is forceful and projective in nature. This occurs due to the obstruction at the pylorus, leading to the stomach being unable to empty properly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Bilious vomiting is more commonly associated with intestinal obstruction, blood in stools can occur in conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis or allergic colitis, and failure to thrive is a nonspecific finding that can be seen in various pediatric conditions.
Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea?
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.
A child with pyloric stenosis is having excessive vomiting. The nurse should assess for what potential complication?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hyperchloremia
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis leads to the loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), resulting in metabolic alkalosis, not hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, or metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a higher pH level in the blood due to the loss of acid and a relative increase in bicarbonate. Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood and is not directly related to excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis. Hyperchloremia is an excess of chloride in the blood, which is not typically associated with this condition. Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by a lower pH level in the blood, caused by an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate, which is not the typical complication seen in pyloric stenosis with excessive vomiting.