A nurse is caring for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority immediately after admission?

Choice A: This response indicates an understanding of the teaching, as pancreatic enzymes are essential for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food and prevent malnutrition, steatorrhea, or vitamin deficiencies. Pancreatic enzymes should be given with snacks and meals to ensure adequate digestion.

Choice B: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as low-fat meals with limited protein are not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Low-fat meals with limited protein can cause malnutrition, weight loss, or growth failure in a child who has CF. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is recommended for a child who has CF to meet their increased energy needs and promote growth and development.

Choice C: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as limiting fluid intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the airways and lungs and cause respiratory infections and complications. Limiting fluid intake can cause dehydration, thickening of mucus, or difficulty in expectoration in a child who has CF. Adequate fluid intake is recommended for a child who has CF to hydrate the body, thin out mucus, and facilitate clearance.

Choice D: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as restricting salt intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes excessive loss of salt through sweat due to abnormal chloride transport in cells. Restricting salt intake can cause hyponatremia, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance in a child who has CF. Adequate salt intake is recommended for a child who has CF to replace the lost salt and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because taking glyburide with breakfast is not recommended for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glyburide is an oral hypoglycemic medication that lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas. It may be used for clients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus, but it does not work for clients who have type 1 diabetes mellitus or DKA.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is recommended for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The influenza vaccine is a vaccine that protects against influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It may prevent or reduce the severity of influenza and its complications, such as pneumonia or sepsis. It is recommended for everyone who is 6 months or older, especially those who have chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus that increase their risk of influenza-related complications.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because administering glucagon for hyperglycemia is not indicated for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. It may be used for clients who have hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose levels are lower than normal (less than 70 mg/dL). It may cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, or loss of consciousness. However, in type 1 diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) rather than hypoglycemia is more likely to occur due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because injecting insulin in the deltoid muscle is not an optimal method for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake into the cells. It may be administered by injection or infusion, and it may vary in onset, peak, and duration of action. The preferred sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, the thighs, the buttocks, or the upper arms, as they have more subcutaneous fat and less muscle tissue. Injecting insulin into the deltoid muscle may cause faster absorption and shorter duration of action, which can affect blood glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.