A nurse is assisting with the admission of a 2-year-old toddler who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride.
Collect a stool sample from the toddler.
Determine if the toddler is voiding.
Request evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is (C) Determine if the toddler is voiding.
Choice A: Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride. While it is important to maintain hydration in a child with acute gastroenteritis, initiating isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride is not the first action a nurse should take. The child’s hydration status and electrolyte balance need to be assessed first. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of isotonic solutions with adequate potassium chloride and dextrose for maintenance IV fluids in children.
Choice B: Collect a stool sample from the toddler Collecting a stool sample can help identify the cause of the gastroenteritis. However, this is not the first step. The stool sample collection should be done using a clean, dry toilet hat or plastic wrap. But before this, the child’s hydration status needs to be assessed.
Choice C: Determine if the toddler is voiding The first action the nurse should take when using the nursing process is assessment. Therefore, checking if the toddler is voiding is the priority. This will help assess the child’s hydration status, which is critical in managing acute gastroenteritis.
Choice D: Request evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes Requesting an evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes is also important, but it’s typically done after the initial assessment. Fluid and electrolyte derangement are the immediate causes that increase the mortality in diarrhea. However, before requesting this evaluation, the nurse should first determine if the toddler is voiding to assess the child’s hydration status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["3.125"]
Explanation
The child weighs 22 lb, which is approximately 10 kg (since 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lb).
The prescribed dose of acetaminophen is 10 mg/kg. Step 1 is: Calculate the total dose of acetaminophen for the child. This is done by multiplying the child’s weight in kg by the prescribed dose in mg/kg. 10 kg×10 mg/kg=100 mg The available acetaminophen liquid is 160 mg/5 mL. Step 2 is: Calculate the volume of acetaminophen liquid to administer. This is done by setting up a proportion with the total dose of acetaminophen and the concentration of the available liquid. x mL100 mg=5 mL160 mg Solving for x gives: x=160 mg mg×5 mL=3.125 mL Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 3.125 mL of the acetaminophen liquid. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that bone marrow can be lost through a fracture, this is not specific to fractures of the epiphyseal plate.
Choice B rationale
The healing time for fractures in children and adults can vary depending on many factors, but it’s not accurate to say that fractures in children take longer to heal than fractures in adults.
Choice C rationale
Normal bone growth can indeed be affected by a fracture of the epiphyseal plate. The epiphyseal plate, or growth plate, is the area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. When a fracture occurs at the epiphyseal plate, it can disrupt the normal growth of the bone and lead to deformities.
Choice D rationale
While calcium is important for bone health, increasing a child’s calcium intake to 3,000 milligrams daily is not typically recommended as part of the treatment or management of a fracture.
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