A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Monitoring the infant's lymphocyte count is important in evaluating the immune function of the infant. HIV primarily affects the immune system, including lymphocytes. Monitoring the lymphocyte count helps assess the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Exchange transfusions are not typically used in the management of HIV. They are primarily performed in conditions like severe neonatal jaundice or blood disorders, but not for the treatment of HIV.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells called granulocytes. While G-CSF can be used in certain situations, such as to counteract the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, it is not a standard treatment for HIV in infants.

Droplet precautions are typically implemented for infectious diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HIV does not spread through respiratory droplets, so initiating droplet precautions would not be necessary in the care of an infant with HIV.

Correct answer: B

A.Family presence can provide comfort and support to the toddler, making mealtimes a more positive experience. It can also encourage the child to eat more by setting a good example. However, without first understanding the child's dietary habits and possible issues, this intervention might not address the root cause of the poor intake.

B.The nurse’sfirst actionin caring for a toddler with poor dietary intake should be toobtain the child’s dietary history. Understanding the child’s current eating habits, preferences, and any potential barriers to adequate nutrition is essential for planning appropriate interventions. Once the dietary history is obtained, the nurse can tailor further actions based on the specific needs of the child.

C.Offering nutritious snacks can help increase the child's overall calorie and nutrient intake, which is particularly important if the child has a low appetite during regular meals. Nevertheless, this step should follow the assessment of the child's dietary history to ensure that the snacks offered are appropriate and to avoid potential allergies or intolerances.

D.Positive reinforcement can encourage healthy eating behaviors and make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for the child. Praising the child can motivate them to eat more. However, this should be done after understanding the child's eating patterns and preferences to ensure that the praise is given in a context that promotes effective and lasting change.