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 B
Explanation
Choice A: A heart rate of 72/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of 72/min does not indicate any signs of shock, hemorrhage, or cardiac injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice B: A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg is below the normal range for an adolescent, which is 110 to 120/70 to 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of shock, hemorrhage, or internal organ damage. Hypotension can lead to decreased tissue perfusion, organ failure, or death. Therefore, this finding is the nurse's priority and requires immediate intervention.
Choice C: An abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a moderate level of pain that can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection in the abdomen. However, pain is a subjective symptom that may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Pain can also be managed with analgesics or other measures. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice D: A respiratory rate of 20/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 20/min does not indicate any signs of respiratory distress, hypoxia, or pulmonary injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Choice A: Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream can help reduce pain during procedures like lumbar punctures. However, it typically needs to be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to be effective. Applying it only 15 minutes prior would not provide adequate analgesia.
Choice B: Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Keeping an infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours is generally recommended before procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, lumbar punctures do not typically require such prolonged fasting, especially in infants, unless sedation is planned.
Choice C: Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
This is the correct positioning for a lumbar puncture in infants. The infant should be held in a curled-up position, with the chin to the chest and knees to the abdomen, to maximize the space between the vertebrae and allow easier access to the lumbar region. This position helps to stabilize the infant and reduce movement during the procedure.
Choice D: Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
Post-procedure care for a lumbar puncture typically involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as headache or infection. Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours is not a standard recommendation. Instead, the infant should be observed and allowed to rest comfortably.
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