A young child is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Therapeutic management of this child will begin with which intervention?
Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time.
Administration of antidiarrheal medication.
Oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Intravenous fluids.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Choice A rationale:
Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, might not be sufficient to adequately rehydrate a child with severe dehydration. Clear liquids lack the necessary electrolytes and glucose content to effectively combat dehydration and replace lost fluids.
Choice B rationale:
Administration of antidiarrheal medication is not the initial step in managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications can slow down the gastrointestinal motility, which may exacerbate the problem by delaying the elimination of the causative agent and prolonging the dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the recommended initial intervention for managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS contains the appropriate balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and glucose to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby helping to rehydrate the child effectively. It is absorbed even when digestion is impaired due to the illness.
Choice D rationale:
Intravenous fluids might be necessary if the child's condition is very severe and oral intake cannot be maintained. However, it's not the first-line intervention. Oral rehydration is preferred whenever feasible because it is less invasive and can be administered even in mild to moderate dehydration cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
Choice A rationale:
Having the child wear heavy clothing to prevent chilling is not an appropriate nursing intervention for an infant with an elevated temperature. Infants are more susceptible to temperature regulation issues, and heavy clothing could exacerbate their discomfort and potentially raise their body temperature further.
Choice B rationale:
Giving tepid water baths to reduce fever is not recommended for fever management in infants. Tepid baths might cause discomfort and shivering, which could lead to increased heat production and potential elevation of body temperature.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging food intake to maintain caloric needs is important, but it might not be well-tolerated by an infant with an elevated temperature and upper respiratory tract infection. Infants often have reduced appetite during illness.
Choice D rationale:
Giving small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration is an appropriate nursing intervention. Fever and elevated temperature can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and increased respiratory rate. Offering small, frequent fluid intake helps maintain hydration and prevent dehydration. Using favorite fluids can also encourage the child to drink more.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Sparse hair.
Choice A rationale:
Sleepiness is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leads to a slower metabolism which can cause fatigue, but not necessarily sleepiness.
Choice B rationale:
Weight loss is not associated with hypothyroidism. In fact, weight gain is a common symptom due to the reduced metabolic rate caused by insufficient thyroid hormone levels.
Choice C rationale:
Sparse hair is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of hair follicles. In hypothyroidism, hair can become brittle, thin, and sparse.
Choice D rationale:
Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism. Constipation, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with this condition due to the slowed digestive processes caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Choice E rationale:
Puffiness around the eyes is not typically associated with hypothyroidism. However, it is a symptom of another thyroid disorder known as Graves' disease, which is characterized by hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today