A one-month-old infant admitted to the hospital with dehydration and failure to thrive receives a prescription for enteral feedings.
To maintain normal growth and development of the infant, which action should the nurse include?
Offer a pacifier for non-nutritive sucking.
Use sterile technique during feedings.
Ensure placement of the nasogastric tube with an abdominal x-ray.
Speak to the healthcare provider about instituting physical therapy.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Non-nutritive sucking, such as with a pacifier, can be soothing and calming for infants. It helps in the development of oral motor skills and provides comfort during enteral feedings, ensuring that the infant’s need for sucking is met even when they are not feeding.
Choice B rationale
Sterile technique is essential for preventing infections during invasive procedures, but enteral feeding typically does not require such stringent measures. Clean technique is usually sufficient unless the infant has a compromised immune system or other specific medical conditions requiring sterile precautions.
Choice C rationale
While verifying tube placement is critical, it is often done using methods such as pH testing of gastric contents or external marking rather than routine x-rays. Overuse of x-rays exposes infants to unnecessary radiation. X-rays are used primarily when other methods are inconclusive.
Choice D rationale
Instituting physical therapy for a one-month-old infant would not be developmentally appropriate as their primary needs are centered around nutrition, comfort, and growth. Physical therapy is more relevant for older children with developmental or mobility issues rather than infants receiving enteral feedings. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The client has a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL and a hematocrit of 34%, which are within normal ranges for a postpartum woman. A blood transfusion is typically indicated for severe anemia or significant blood loss, neither of which is suggested by these lab results. Therefore, a blood transfusion is not warranted in this case.
Choice B rationale
Rubella vaccination is indicated for a client who is non-immune to rubella, as indicated by the laboratory results. Rubella vaccination is important to protect the client from contracting rubella in future pregnancies, which can cause serious congenital defects. Since the client is not currently pregnant and not immune, vaccination can be safely administered postpartum to prevent future rubella infections.
Choice C rationale
Penicillin G potassium is an antibiotic that might be used for a client who is group B Streptococcus positive to prevent neonatal infection during delivery. However, this client is group B Streptococcus negative, so there is no indication for this antibiotic. There is no need to administer Penicillin G potassium in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin is used for newborns of mothers who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus. Since the client's lab results indicate she is hepatitis B surface antigen negative, there is no need for Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. The client and her newborn are not at risk of hepatitis B transmission, so this intervention is not required. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing the temperature of both legs can help identify potential circulatory issues or infections. However, temperature differences are not the most immediate concern when assessing a child with a long-leg cast. Monitoring neurovascular status, including circulation and nerve function, is more critical to ensure there are no complications such as compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring capillary refill of the toes is crucial for assessing the circulatory status of the affected limb. Capillary refill time indicates how well blood is perfusing to the extremities. A delayed capillary refill time can suggest compromised circulation, which could lead to serious complications like tissue ischemia. This assessment helps ensure that the cast is not too tight and that there is adequate blood flow to the toes.
Choice C rationale
Examining for spontaneous movement is important for assessing motor function and ensuring that there is no nerve damage. However, it is not as immediate a concern as circulatory assessment. Spontaneous movement can indicate intact motor function, but circulatory compromise would need to be addressed urgently to prevent tissue damage.
Choice D rationale
Palpating femoral pulses is important for assessing the overall circulation to the lower extremities. However, in the context of a long-leg cast, it is more relevant to directly assess the area distal to the cast (such as the toes) for adequate perfusion. Checking femoral pulses alone does not provide specific information about potential compartment syndrome or tightness of the cast affecting distal circulation.
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