A nurse is caring for an infant who has rotavirus.
Which of the following findings indicates that the infant is moderately dehydrated?

Choice A rationale:

Limiting fluids at bedtime is not a suitable instruction for a child with sickle cell disease. These patients are at risk of dehydration due to increased red blood cell destruction, and limiting fluids can exacerbate this condition, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and pain episodes.

Choice B rationale:

Applying cold compresses to painful areas might provide temporary relief for pain associated with sickle cell disease, but it does not address the overall management of the illness. Encouraging physical activity, on the other hand, is essential as it promotes overall health and can prevent complications like thrombosis.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging physical activity as tolerated is the correct choice. Regular physical activity helps improve circulation and can reduce the risk of vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The nurse should advise the guardians to encourage the child to engage in activities that are appropriate for their age and physical condition, while also being mindful of any signs of fatigue or pain.

Choice D rationale:

Having the child wear a surgical mask to school is not relevant to the management of sickle cell disease. This measure is more appropriate for preventing the spread of contagious diseases and is not a specific intervention for sickle cell disease management.

Choice A rationale:

Attaching the feeding bag tubing to the end of the NG tube is a step in the enteral feeding process, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. First, the nurse needs to assess the pH of the gastric secretions to confirm the NG tube placement in the stomach. If the pH is acidic (usually below 5.5), it indicates that the NG tube is in the stomach. If the pH is alkaline, it may suggest the tube is in the respiratory tract, and feeding should not be initiated. Therefore, this choice is not the correct first action.

Choice B rationale:

Flushing the tube with water is important to ensure it is clear and not clogged. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Checking the pH of the gastric secretions is crucial to confirm the NG tube placement before any other interventions. If the nurse encounters resistance while flushing the tube, it could indicate a misplaced tube, emphasizing the importance of checking the pH first.

Choice C rationale:

Checking the pH of the gastric secretions is the correct first action before administering enteral feeding. Gastric secretions are acidic (usually below 5.5), confirming the tube's placement in the stomach. This step ensures the safety of the feeding process and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Once the placement is confirmed, the nurse can proceed with other steps, such as attaching the feeding bag tubing and setting the administration rate on the feeding pump.

Choice D rationale:

Setting the administration rate on the feeding pump is a necessary step in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the tube placement by checking the pH of the gastric secretions. If the nurse administers the feeding without confirming the tube placement, there is a risk of aspiration, which can be life-threatening.