A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who has shigella. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Maintain oral rehydration therapy.
Provide a diet high in sodium.
Administer antiviral medication.
Give antidiarrheal agents every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Maintaining oral rehydration therapy is a crucial nursing action when caring for a child with shigella, which is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea. Oral rehydration therapy helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by fluid loss from diarrhea. It involves giving the child oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes and fluids to replace those lost through diarrhea.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a diet high in sodium is not recommended for a child with shigella. Shigella is associated with diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms, and a high-sodium diet can worsen fluid imbalances and dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Shigella is a bacterial infection, not a viral infection, so administering antiviral medication would not be effective or appropriate. Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections, not bacterial ones like shigella.
Choice D rationale:
Giving antidiarrheal agents every 4 hours is not recommended for a child with shigella. Antidiarrheal agents can slow down the gastrointestinal tract and inhibit the body's natural mechanism for expelling harmful substances, such as bacteria. It's important to allow the body to eliminate the bacteria and toxins causing the infection through diarrhea, while simultaneously providing rehydration support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is a crucial step in preventing accidental removal or displacement of the tube during feedings. Infants are known for their active movements, which could lead to unintentional removal of the tube. Taping the tube securely helps maintain its proper placement and ensures the delivery of nutrients.
Choice B rationale:
Positioning the infant in a supine (lying on the back) position during feedings is not recommended. This position could lead to an increased risk of aspiration, where the feedings could enter the airway and lungs, causing respiratory issues. The recommended position for nasogastric tube feedings is semi-upright or upright to minimize this risk.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirating residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it is not standard practice for nasogastric tube feedings. Aspirating can introduce the risk of infection or cause irritation to the stomach lining. Additionally, residual fluid can provide valuable information about the infant's digestion and absorption, and its presence should be taken into consideration when adjusting feedings.
Choice D rationale:
Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) is not safe. Formula should be warmed gently using warm water or a bottle warmer to avoid overheating, which could burn the infant's mouth and esophagus. Microwaving can cause uneven heating and lead to hot spots within the formula, posing a risk of burns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Administering an oral corticosteroid is not the first action the nurse should take. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy. However, they are usually prescribed if the symptoms are severe or if the rash covers a large area of the body. It’s important to note that corticosteroids can have side effects, especially when used for a long time, so they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe the skin and relieve itching caused by poison ivy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The first step is to remove the oil from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion can be applied after the area has been thoroughly washed.
Choice C rationale: Instructing the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. Similar to calamine lotion, an oatmeal bath can be beneficial after the area has been thoroughly washed to remove the oil from the skin.
Choice D rationale: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a child exposed to poison ivy is to flush the area with cold, running water. This helps to remove the oil (urushiol) from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after exposure to help prevent the spread of the oil to other areas of the body or to other people. After flushing the area, the nurse can then apply calamine lotion or recommend an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin and relieve itching.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.