A nurse is monitoring an infant who is 6 months old and has sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, intermittent fever, and apneic spells. The nurse should recognize these findings are consistent with which of the following diagnoses?

Choice A reason: This statement indicates a need for clarification, as sodium biphosphate/sodium phosphate is a laxative that can cause bowel perforation in a child with appendicitis. The nurse should question this prescription and avoid giving it to the child.

Choice B reason: This statement is correct, as maintaining NPO status is a standard intervention for a child with suspected appendicitis. It prevents further irritation of the appendix and prepares the child for possible surgery.

Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as monitoring oral temperature every 4 hours is a way to assess for signs of infection and inflammation in a child with suspected appendicitis. The nurse should also monitor for other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rebound tenderness.

Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as medicating the client for pain every 4 hours as needed is a way to provide comfort and relief for a child with suspected appendicitis. The nurse should use a pain scale to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and report any changes in the pain level or location.

Choice A reason: The child has signs of dehydration and hypovolemic shock, such as vomiting, melena, abdominal pain, and weak pedal pulses. Dehydration is a loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body, which can result from gastroenteritis. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood volume is too low to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to the vital organs.

Choice B reason: The child does not have signs of peritonitis and septic shock, such as fever, chills, rigors, tachycardia, hypotension, and abdominal rigidity. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs. Septic shock is a severe infection that causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction.

Choice C reason: The child does not have signs of pancreatitis and cardiogenic shock, such as elevated serum amylase and lipase, jaundice, dyspnea, crackles, and chest pain. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. Cardiogenic shock is a failure of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Choice D reason: The child does not have signs of peptic ulcer and anaphylactic shock, such as hematemesis, dyspepsia, urticaria, angioedema, and wheezes. Peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAIDs, or stress. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that causes bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and hypotension.