A nurse is preparing to administer acetaminophen 10mg/kg PO to a preschool child for fever.

The child weighs 22 lb. Available is acetaminophen liquid 160 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? .

Choice A rationale
Bluish-green discharge from the ear canal is not a typical finding in otitis media. This could suggest a different condition, such as an external ear infection or a ruptured eardrum.
Choice B rationale
Erythema and edema of the affected auricle (outer part of the ear) are not typical findings in otitis media. These symptoms are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the external ear, such as otitis externa.
Choice C rationale
An increase in appetite is not typically associated with otitis media. In fact, children with otitis media may have a decreased appetite due to discomfort or pain while swallowing.
Choice D rationale
Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of otitis media in infants and young children. This is often due to the pain and discomfort caused by the infection.

The correct answer is (C) Determine if the toddler is voiding.

Choice A: Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride. While it is important to maintain hydration in a child with acute gastroenteritis, initiating isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride is not the first action a nurse should take. The child’s hydration status and electrolyte balance need to be assessed first. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of isotonic solutions with adequate potassium chloride and dextrose for maintenance IV fluids in children.

Choice B: Collect a stool sample from the toddler Collecting a stool sample can help identify the cause of the gastroenteritis. However, this is not the first step. The stool sample collection should be done using a clean, dry toilet hat or plastic wrap. But before this, the child’s hydration status needs to be assessed.

Choice C: Determine if the toddler is voiding The first action the nurse should take when using the nursing process is assessment. Therefore, checking if the toddler is voiding is the priority. This will help assess the child’s hydration status, which is critical in managing acute gastroenteritis.

Choice D: Request evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes Requesting an evaluation of the toddler’s serum electrolytes is also important, but it’s typically done after the initial assessment. Fluid and electrolyte derangement are the immediate causes that increase the mortality in diarrhea. However, before requesting this evaluation, the nurse should first determine if the toddler is voiding to assess the child’s hydration status.