A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has a prescription for clear liquids by mouth after a repair of an intussusception. Which of the following fluids should the nurse select for the infant?

Choice A reason: Water is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it does not contain the electrolytes and glucose that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Water alone can also dilute the blood sodium level and cause hyponatremia.

Choice B reason: Oral rehydration solution is the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it contains the optimal balance of electrolytes and glucose to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It also helps to restore the intestinal function and prevent acidosis.

Choice C reason: Diluted apple juice is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it contains too much sugar and not enough sodium. This can worsen the diarrhea and cause hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar dehydration.

Choice D reason: Milk is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it can aggravate the intestinal inflammation and cause lactose intolerance. Milk can also increase the risk of bacterial infection and septicemia.

Choice A reason: Tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital anomaly that results from an abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus. It causes respiratory distress, choking, coughing, and cyanosis during feeding, and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice B reason: Inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal organs through the inguinal canal into the scrotum or labia. It causes a bulge in the groin area that may increase in size with crying or straining. It may also cause pain, vomiting, and impaired blood flow to the herniated tissue.

Choice C reason: Intussusception is a telescoping of one segment of the bowel into another, causing obstruction and impaired blood supply. It causes a palpable mass in the upper right quadrant, stools mixed with blood and mucus (resembling currant jelly), abdominal pain, vomiting, and shock.

Choice D reason: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pyloric sphincter due to hypertrophy of the surrounding muscle. It causes projectile vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and a palpable olive-shaped mass in the upper right quadrant.