A nurse is caring for a child who has Addison's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the child on a low-sodium diet
Discuss the manifestations of hyperglycemia with the parents
Monitor the child for fluid volume excess
Teach the parents about cortisol replacement therapy
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: A low-sodium diet is not recommended for a child who has Addison's disease, as they need more sodium to maintain their blood pressure and fluid balance. A high-sodium diet may be advised instead. ¹
Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a common manifestation of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of cortisol, which normally raises blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more likely to occur and should be monitored and treated. ²
Choice C reason: Fluid volume excess, or edema, is not a common complication of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of aldosterone, which normally retains sodium and water in the body. Fluid volume deficit, or dehydration, is more likely to occur and should be prevented and corrected. ³
Choice D reason: Cortisol replacement therapy is the main treatment for Addison's disease, as it helps restore the normal function of the adrenal glands and prevent adrenal crisis. The parents should be taught about the dosage, timing, and side effects of the medication, as well as the signs and symptoms of underdose and overdose. They should also be instructed to increase the dose during times of stress, illness, or injury, and to carry an emergency injection kit. ⁴.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 2-year-old toddler is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 2-year-old toddler may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.
Choice B reason: A 4-month-old infant is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-month-old infant may receive the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine instead, if indicated.
Choice C reason: An 11-year-old school-age child is a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is routinely given to children aged 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at age 16. The MCV4 vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that can cause serious infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or the bloodstream (septicemia).
Choice D reason: A 4-year-old child is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-year-old child may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a 20 gauge needle is not the best action, as it is too large for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. A 20 gauge needle has a diameter of 0.9 mm, which may cause more pain and tissue damage. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 23 or 25 gauge, is recommended for intramuscular injections in children.
Choice B reason: Inserting the needle just below the acromion process is not the best action, as it may not reach the deltoid muscle. The acromion process is the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder. The deltoid muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, about two finger widths below the acromion process. The nurse should palpate the acromion process and measure the distance to the injection site.
Choice C reason: Inserting the needle at a 15 degree angle is not the best action, as it may not penetrate the muscle tissue. A 15 degree angle is used for intradermal injections, which are given into the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Intramuscular injections are given into the muscle tissue, which requires a 90 degree angle. The nurse should hold the syringe perpendicular to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly.
Choice D reason: Using a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is the best action, as it is the appropriate length for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. The length of the needle should be based on the child's age, weight, and muscle mass. A 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is suitable for children who weigh less than 12 kg (26 lb). A longer needle, such as a 2.5 mm (1 in) needle, may be used for children who weigh more than 12 kg (26 lb).
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