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?
Half-strength orange juice
Sterile water
Half-strength infant formula
Oral electrolyte solution
The Correct Answer is D
For a 6-month-old infant who has undergone the repair of an intussusception, the nurse should select an oral electrolyte solution. This solution is specifically designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting or diarrhea, which is crucial in preventing dehydration in infants.
Options A, B, and C are not suitable choices for an infant in this situation:
A. Half-strength orange juice: Citrus juices, including orange juice, are not recommended for infants under 12 months old. They are acidic and may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
B. Sterile water: Sterile water does not contain the necessary electrolytes, and offering plain water to an infant after surgery or during an illness can lead to electrolyte imbalances and further dehydration.
C. Half-strength infant formula: Diluting infant formula can lead to inadequate nutrition for the infant. The baby requires appropriate nutrition to support recovery after surgery, and diluting formula can be harmful.
D. An oral electrolyte solution is the best choice as it helps maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the infant's body during the recovery period. If the infant tolerates the oral electrolyte solution well and is not at risk for aspiration, the healthcare provider may gradually advance the diet to include other clear liquids and then slowly reintroduce regular infant formula or breast milk as appropriate. The healthcare provider's instructions should be followed carefully to support the infant's recovery and ensure adequate nutrition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
During a sickle cell crisis, the child experiences severe pain due to the sickled red blood cells blocking blood flow in the vessels, leading to tissue ischemia and infarction. Pain is the hallmark symptom of sickle cell crisis and can occur in various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, chest, back, joints, and extremities.
A. Constipation is not a common symptom of sickle cell crisis. It may be associated with other conditions but is not directly related to sickle cell crisis.
C. High fever is not a typical finding in sickle cell crisis. Fever may occur due to infections, which individuals with sickle cell disease are at increased risk of developing, but it is not a direct symptom of the crisis itself.
D. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not commonly associated with sickle cell crisis. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) may occur in response to pain, but bradycardia is not a typical finding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When caring for a child with acute appendicitis, the nurse should anticipate an elevated white blood cell count (WBC) in the laboratory values. A high WBC count is a common finding in acute appendicitis, as it indicates an inflammatory response and infection in the body. The body's immune system responds to the inflammation caused by the infected appendix, leading to an increase in WBCs to fight off the infection.
The other options are not necessarily specific to acute appendicitis:
A. RBC 4.2 million/mm³: The red blood cell count (RBC) measures the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This value may be within the normal range, but it is not the primary marker for diagnosing or monitoring acute appendicitis.
B. Lymphocytes 3,000/mm3: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. While changes in lymphocyte levels can occur during inflammation, it is not the primary marker for diagnosing or monitoring acute appendicitis.
C. Neutrophils 3.000/mm³: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that increases in response to infection and inflammation. However, the absolute neutrophil count is not as relevant as the overall WBC count in determining the presence and severity of acute appendicitis.
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