A 3-week-old infant is admited to the pediatric unit with vomiting and dehydration. The mother describes the infant as having projectile vomiting after eating. She also tells the practical nurse (PN) that the baby is always hungry. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the PN?
Hyperactive gastric sounds.
Irregular palpable pulse.
Crying without tears.
Underweight for age.
The Correct Answer is B
This finding may indicate a potential cardiac issue that needs immediate medical atention. Projectile vomiting and excessive hunger in a young infant may be signs of pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the muscle between the stomach and small intestine thickens, making it difficult for food to pass through.
Hyperactive gastric sounds may be present with vomiting, but it is not an immediate concern.
Crying without tears may be a sign of dehydration, but it is not an immediate concern.
Underweight for age is a concern but it is not a finding that requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The PN should report the injury details to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's condition and can help determine the appropriate course of action. The other options are not the most appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Obtaining a heel stick glucose (A) may be necessary if hypoglycemia is suspected, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Initiating strict intake and output measurements (C) may be necessary for monitoring fluid balance, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Swaddling the infant in a blanket (D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of the head injury and seizure episode.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The best response for the PN to provide is that **an immunization may be administered for hepatitis B, and a consent form must be signed**. Phytonadione is a form of vitamin K that is given to newborns to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB)¹. Vitamin K should be administered to all newborn infants weighing>1500 g as a single, intramuscular dose of 1 mg within 6 hours of birth¹. However, this is not the only injection your baby may receive while in the newborn nursery. An immunization for hepatitis B may also be administered before you can go home⁴.
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