HESI Nutrition Exam Related

Review HESI Nutrition Exam related questions and content

When reassigned to the emergency department, a nurse should understand that gastric lavage is a priority in which situation?

  • A. An infant who has been identified to have botulism
  • B. A toddler who ate a number of ibuprofen tablets
  • C. A preschooler who swallowed powdered plant food
  • D. A school-aged child who took a handful of vitamins
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because gastric lavage is a priority for infants with botulism to remove toxins from the stomach. Botulism is a serious condition caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Gastric lavage helps in removing the toxin from the stomach. Choice B is incorrect because gastric lavage is not typically indicated for ibuprofen ingestion. Choice C is incorrect because gastric lavage is not the first-line treatment for ingesting powdered plant food. Choice D is incorrect because gastric lavage is not routinely performed for vitamin ingestion.