A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a 5-week-old infant in the pediatric unit.
The infant has been vomiting since week 2 of life and it has been progressively worse over the past 2 weeks.
Parents report the vomiting is now forceful and projectile (“like a volcano erupting”) immediately after every feeding, but the infant is eager to eat and seems to be constantly hungry.
The infant has been receiving a cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified formula since birth. The pediatrician reports the infant has not gained weight in the past 2 weeks.
The last weight in the pediatrician’s office is 3.54kg (8 lb). No other significant medical or surgical history.
What condition is the client most likely experiencing and what actions should the nurse take to address that condition? What parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the client’s progress?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), change the formula, monitor weight and feeding habits
Pyloric Stenosis, refer for surgical consultation, monitor weight and vomiting frequency
Lactose Intolerance, switch to lactose-free formula, monitor weight and stool consistency
Milk Protein Allergy, switch to hypoallergenic formula, monitor weight and skin reactions
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in infants is a condition where the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus causing discomfort. However, the symptoms described, such as projectile vomiting and constant hunger, are more consistent with Pyloric Stenosis.
Choice B rationale
Pyloric Stenosis is a condition in infants where the opening from the stomach to the small intestine narrows, preventing food from entering the small intestine. The symptoms described by the parents, such as projectile vomiting after every feeding and constant hunger, align with this condition. The infant’s lack of weight gain could be due to the fact that food is not being properly digested and absorbed. The nurse should refer the infant for a surgical consultation as the treatment for Pyloric Stenosis is usually surgical. The nurse should monitor the infant’s weight and frequency of vomiting to assess the infant’s progress.
Choice C rationale
Lactose Intolerance in infants is a condition where the infant has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
However, the symptoms described by the parents do not align with this condition.
Choice D rationale
Milk Protein Allergy in infants is a condition where the infant’s immune system reacts negatively to the proteins in cow’s milk. Symptoms can include hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing, constipation, and bloody diarrhea. However, the symptoms described by the parents do not align with this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. In fact, some patients with nephrotic syndrome may experience high blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Generalized edema, or swelling, is a common characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. It occurs due to the loss of proteins in the urine, which leads to a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood. This decrease in blood protein levels causes fluid to move from the blood vessels into the tissues, leading to swelling.
Choice C rationale
Increased urinary output is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. In fact, some patients may experience decreased urine output.
Choice D rationale
Bright red blood in the urine is not a typical symptom of nephrotic syndrome. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, when present in nephrotic syndrome, is usually microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The first action a nurse should take upon finding a school-age child having a seizure is to ease the person to the floor and turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe and can prevent injury.
Choice B rationale
Administering an anticonvulsant medication is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
Choice C rationale
Applying oxygen by nasal cannula is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
Choice D rationale
Checking the client’s oxygen saturation is not the immediate first action a nurse should take upon finding a child having a seizure. The first priority is to ensure the child’s safety by easing them to the floor and turning them onto their side.
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