A nurse is caring for a 6-week-old infant who has pyloric stenosis. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?
Distended neck veins
Rigid abdomen
Projectile vomiting
Red currant jelly stools
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Distended neck veins are not a clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis, which is a condition that causes the narrowing of the pylorus, which is the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. Distended neck veins are a sign of increased venous pressure, which can occur in conditions that affect the right side of the heart or cause fluid overload.
Choice B: Rigid abdomen is not a clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis, but rather a sign of peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis can be caused by infection, perforation, or trauma to any abdominal organ. A rigid abdomen indicates severe pain and inflammation in the abdominal cavity.
Choice C: Projectile vomiting is a clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis, as it indicates forceful expulsion of stomach contents due to obstruction at the pylorus. Projectile vomiting can occur shortly after feeding and may contain undigested milk or formula. Projectile vomiting can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or weight loss.
Choice D: Red currant jelly stools are not a clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis, but rather a sign of intussusception, which is a condition that causes telescoping of one segment of bowel into another. Intussusception can cause obstruction and ischemia of the bowel and lead to bleeding and necrosis. Red currant jelly stools indicate blood and mucus in the stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This response is appropriate, as it indicates urgency and concern for the infant's condition. Projectile vomiting immediately after eating can be a sign of pyloric stenosis, which is a condition that causes the narrowing of the pylorus, which is the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. Pyloric stenosis can prevent food from passing through and cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or weight loss. The infant needs to be evaluated by a provider as soon as possible and may need surgery to correct the problem.
Choice B: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Oral rehydration solution can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Oral rehydration solution may also be vomited out by the infant if given too soon or too much.
Choice C: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Burping the baby more frequently during feedings can help release air bubbles and prevent gas or colic, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Burping may also trigger vomiting by increasing pressure on the stomach.
Choice D: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Switching to a different formula can help if the infant has an allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients in their current formula, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Switching formulas may also cause diarrhea or constipation by changing the infant's bowel flora.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: The Oucher pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 to 13 years who can point to pictures of faces that match their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or point to pictures.
Choice B: The FLACC pain scale is suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for infants and children aged 2 months to 7 years who cannot verbalize their pain. The FLACC pain scale assesses five behavioral indicators of pain: face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability. Each indicator is scored from 0 to 2 based on the observation of the nurse. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more pain.
Choice C: The FACES pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 years and older who can select a face that matches their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or select a face.
Choice D: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for adults and older children who can mark a point on a line that represents their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or mark a point on a line.
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