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 D
Explanation
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood is a common symptom of depression. Asking the client if they often feel sad can help the practical nurse (PN) assess for depression.
While recent stresses (A), sleep changes (B), and dietary habits (C) may also be relevant to the client's situation, asking if the client often feels sad is the most important question for the PN to ask in order to further assess for depression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The pattern of bowel movements is the most important information for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain when assisting with the admission of a 12-month-old child with a history of frequent colds and growth failure who is being tested for a possible diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF can cause thick, sticky mucus to build up in the digestive tract, leading to problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients. This can result in bulky, greasy stools and growth failure.
The number of respiratory infections since birth (Option A) and a description of the child's appetite (Option C) are also important pieces of information, but they are not as critical as the pattern of bowel movements. The number of siblings in the family ( Option B) is not directly relevant to the child's medical condition.
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