A nurse in an emergency department is assessing an infant who is dehydrated. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

For a 6-month-old infant who has undergone the repair of an intussusception, the nurse should select an oral electrolyte solution. This solution is specifically designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting or diarrhea, which is crucial in preventing dehydration in infants.

Options A, B, and C are not suitable choices for an infant in this situation:

A. Half-strength orange juice: Citrus juices, including orange juice, are not recommended for infants under 12 months old. They are acidic and may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

B. Sterile water: Sterile water does not contain the necessary electrolytes, and offering plain water to an infant after surgery or during an illness can lead to electrolyte imbalances and further dehydration.

C. Half-strength infant formula: Diluting infant formula can lead to inadequate nutrition for the infant. The baby requires appropriate nutrition to support recovery after surgery, and diluting formula can be harmful.

D. An oral electrolyte solution is the best choice as it helps maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the infant's body during the recovery period. If the infant tolerates the oral electrolyte solution well and is not at risk for aspiration, the healthcare provider may gradually advance the diet to include other clear liquids and then slowly reintroduce regular infant formula or breast milk as appropriate. The healthcare provider's instructions should be followed carefully to support the infant's recovery and ensure adequate nutrition.

A.Factor X is a clotting factor involved in the coagulation cascade. It is not directly related to preventing infections. While clotting factors are essential for hemostasis, they do not play a role in infection prevention.

B. Steroids can suppress the immune response, making the child more susceptible to infections. Therefore, they are not specifically administered to prevent infections

C. In a child with a sickle cell crisis who is hospitalized, preventing infections is crucial due to the increased risk of infections in this condition. Administering immunizations that the patient is scheduled for can help prevent certain infections.

Children with sickle cell disease are at a higher risk of bacterial infections, especially from encapsulated organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines can help protect against these pathogens and reduce the risk of serious infections.

Some of the recommended immunizations for children with sickle cell disease include:

Pneumococcal vaccine: This helps protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause severe respiratory and bloodstream infections.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine: This protects against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, which can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis.

Meningococcal vaccine: This protects against Neisseria meningitidis, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Influenza vaccine: This annual vaccine helps protect against seasonal flu, which can be severe in children with sickle cell disease.

Administering these vaccines according to the recommended schedule helps provide protection against certain infections and can improve outcomes for children with sickle cell disease during hospitalization and beyond. The other options, Factor X, steroids, and PCA morphine, are not specific measures for preventing infections in a child with sickle cell crisis.

D.PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) morphine is used for pain management during a sickle cell crisis. It does not directly prevent infections.