A nurse is caring for a 6-week-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit for evaluation of a suspected pyloric stenosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Projectile vomiting
Metabolic acidosis
Effortless regurgitation
Distended abdomen
The Correct Answer is A
A. Projectile vomiting
Projectile vomiting is a classic symptom of pyloric stenosis in infants. It typically occurs within 30 minutes of feeding and is forceful, often projecting several feet away from the infant. This occurs due to the obstruction at the pyloric sphincter, leading to the stomach forcefully emptying its contents.
B. Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is not a typical finding associated with pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis leads to vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but it typically does not cause metabolic acidosis directly.
C. Effortless regurgitation
Effortless regurgitation is not a characteristic finding of pyloric stenosis. In pyloric stenosis, vomiting is forceful and projectile, rather than a passive regurgitation of stomach contents.
D. Distended abdomen
A distended abdomen can be a finding in pyloric stenosis. The obstruction at the pyloric sphincter can lead to gastric retention, causing the stomach to become distended over time. However, it's important to note that not all infants with pyloric stenosis will present with a visibly distended abdomen.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Drooling - Drooling is not typically associated with intussusception. Intussusception is a condition where one portion of the intestine telescopes into another, leading to bowel obstruction and subsequent symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and "currant jelly" stools.
B. Increased appetite - Increased appetite is unlikely in a toddler with intussusception. Instead, affected toddlers may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy, which can lead to decreased appetite.
C. Mucus in stools - Mucus in stools is a characteristic finding in intussusception. As the telescoping of the intestine causes irritation and inflammation, mucus may be passed in the stool along with blood and, in some cases, a characteristic "currant jelly" appearance.
D. Jaundice - Jaundice is not a typical manifestation of intussusception. It may be present in conditions affecting the liver or bile ducts, such as biliary atresia or obstructive jaundice, but it is not a direct symptom of intussusception.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Left side: Placing the infant on the left side after feeding is not typically recommended for managing gastroesophageal reflux. This position may not provide optimal support for digestion and may not effectively reduce reflux symptoms.
B. Upright: This is the correct answer. Placing the infant in an upright position after feeding can help reduce gastroesophageal reflux. Gravity helps keep stomach contents down, preventing them from flowing back up into the esophagus. Holding the infant upright on the caregiver's shoulder or in a baby carrier can be effective in minimizing reflux symptoms.
C. Right side: Placing the infant on the right side after feeding is not typically recommended for managing gastroesophageal reflux. Similar to the left side, this position may not provide optimal support for digestion and may not effectively reduce reflux symptoms.
D. Prone: Placing the infant in a prone (face-down) position after feeding is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Prone positioning is associated with an increased risk of SIDS, and current guidelines advise against placing infants to sleep or rest on their stomachs. Additionally, a prone position may not effectively reduce gastroesophageal reflux and may pose other risks to the infant's health and safety.
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