A school-age child with bronchial asthma has a prescription for albuterol. The child's parent tells the nurse that the medication is used when the child is having difficulty breathing. Which is the best response by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal circumference provides immediate, objective data about the degree of abdominal distention, which is a key sign of intestinal obstruction in a neonate who hasn’t passed meconium and is vomiting bilious secretions. Establishing a baseline girth measurement guides further assessment, helps detect rapidly worsening distention, and informs decisions about decompression and imaging studies.

Choice B reason: Although initiating an IV infusion is critical for fluid and electrolyte replacement in any vomiting infant, securing intravenous access should follow a focused assessment. Prioritizing assessment ensures you understand the severity of the obstruction and tailor fluid resuscitation and other interventions appropriately.

Choice C reason: Monitoring strict urinary output is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because urinary output is not the most sensitive indicator of fluid status in infants, especially those with renal insufficiency or oliguria. Monitoring urinary output may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.

Choice D reason: Preparing for anorectal manometry is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures the pressure and function of the anal and rectal muscles. It is not indicated for infants with suspected meconium ileus, which is a mechanical obstruction of the bowel by thick and sticky meconium. Preparing for anorectal manometry may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.

Choice A reason: Rhabdomyolysis is not the probable cause of the findings. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream that can harm the kidneys. It is usually caused by trauma, infection, drugs, or extreme exercise. It does not cause radial ossification in the soft tissues, but rather dark urine, muscle weakness, and kidney failure.

Choice B reason: Osteosarcoma is the probable cause of the findings. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually affects the long bones of the arms and legs. It is more common in adolescents and young adults. It can cause pain, swelling, and limping in the affected area, as well as radial ossification in the soft tissues, which is a sign of tumor invasion.

Choice C reason: Growing pains are not the probable cause of the findings. Growing pains are a common cause of leg pain in children and adolescents, but they are not associated with any physical abnormality or disease. They usually occur in both legs, not just one, and they are more likely to affect the calves, shins, or thighs, not the knees. They do not cause swelling, tenderness, or radial ossification in the soft tissues.

Choice D reason: Hemosiderosis is not the probable cause of the findings. Hemosiderosis is a condition that occurs when excess iron deposits in the tissues, usually as a result of repeated blood transfusions or hemolytic anemia. It can affect various organs, such as the liver, lungs, heart, and skin, but not the bones. It does not cause pain, swelling, or radial ossification in the soft tissues, but rather fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and skin discoloration.