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 C
Explanation
Rheumatic fever (RF) is a complication that can occur after an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection (strep throat). It can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. One important aspect of managing RF is to prevent further episodes of strep throat, as it can trigger recurrent RF. Therefore, the child with a history of RF will require prophylactic antibiotics (usually penicillin or a related antibiotic) before certain invasive procedures, dental work, or surgeries to prevent strep throat and subsequent recurrence of RF.
Option A is not specific to rheumatic fever, and while electrolyte imbalances may be monitored and managed in certain cases of severe illness, it is not a core aspect of managing RF.
Option B is not accurate. While many children with RF do recover fully with appropriate treatment, they may be at risk of developing rheumatic heart disease, which can lead to long-term complications if not managed properly.
Option D is not a direct implication of RF. Rheumatic fever is not a genetically inherited condition, but a complication of strep throat caused by a bacterial infection. There is no evidence to suggest that having RF would directly affect the genetic implications for future offspring.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should expect to find irritability in an infant who is dehydrated. Dehydration in infants can lead to changes in behavior and irritability due to the imbalance in fluid and electrolytes. Other common signs of dehydration in infants may include:
Poor skin turgor (skin tenting)
Sunken fontanelles (soft spots on the baby's head)
Dry mucous membranes (dry mouth and tongue)
Decreased urine output or concentrated urine
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Increased respiratory rate
Sunken eyes
Decreased tears when crying
B. Tetany is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and is more commonly associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) rather than dehydration.
C. A slow, bounding pulse is not typically associated with dehydration. Dehydration often leads to a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of fluid.
D. Decreased temperature is not a typical finding in dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fever in some cases due to an underlying infection, but it does not cause a decrease in body temperature on its own.
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