A nurse is attending a continuing education course about communicable diseases. The nurse should identify that varicella has which of the following incubation periods?

Choice A rationale
Projectile vomiting is a common symptom in infants with pyloric stenosis. This is due to the narrowing of the pylorus, the muscular valve at the bottom of the stomach, which prevents breast milk or formula from passing through to the small intestine.
Choice B rationale
Effortless regurgitation is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is not a typical symptom of pyloric stenosis. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.
Choice D rationale
While a distended abdomen can occur in some cases of pyloric stenosis, it is not the most common symptom. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting.

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.