An 18-month-old is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. The nurse knows that therapeutic management of this child will begin with:

Administration of an anti-diarrheal

Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time

Oral rehydration solution (ORS)

Intravenous fluids

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Administration of an anti-diarrheal is not the appropriate management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Anti-diarrheals are not recommended for children under 5 years, as they can have serious side effects, such as paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon, and worsening of dehydration. Anti-diarrheals do not address the underlying cause of diarrhea, and may prolong the duration of infection or toxin exposure.

Choice B reason: Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, are not sufficient to treat an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Clear liquids, such as water, tea, or broth, do not contain enough electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, to replace the losses from diarrhea and vomiting. Clear liquids may also dilute the blood sodium level and cause hyponatremia, a condition of low sodium in the blood, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Choice C reason: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the best management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS is a specially formulated solution that contains water, glucose, and electrolytes in the right proportions to replenish the fluid and electrolyte losses from diarrhea and vomiting. ORS can prevent or treat dehydration, and reduce the need for intravenous fluids. ORS can be given by mouth, spoon, cup, or syringe, depending on the child's ability to drink. The amount of ORS to give depends on the degree of dehydration and the weight of the child. The nurse should follow the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the local health authority for the appropriate dosage and frequency of ORS administration¹.

Choice D reason: Intravenous fluids are not the first-line management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Intravenous fluids are only indicated for children who have severe dehydration and are unable to drink or tolerate ORS, or who have signs of shock, such as weak pulse, cold extremities, or altered consciousness. Intravenous fluids require hospitalization, skilled personnel, and sterile equipment, and carry the risk of infection, overhydration, or electrolyte imbalance. Intravenous fluids should be given according to the WHO or the local health authority guidelines, and should be switched to ORS as soon as the child is able to drink¹.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too high. It can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level, not hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. The normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice C reason: A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is also not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. As explained in choice B, the normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice D reason: A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide, and of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low. It can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, arrhythmias, and paralysis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium level and signs of hypokalemia, and advise the client to eat potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. The nurse should also report the lab value to the prescriber, who may adjust the dose of furosemide or prescribe a potassium supplement.

A. A 12-month-old who is 2-days post-op cleft palate repair whose vital signs are within normal limits B. A 6-month-old who is crying and becomes calm when held by a parent C. An 8-month-old with legs drawn to chest and a temperature of 39.5 degrees C D. A 4-month-old that has just returned from the recovery room

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement is false. A 12-month-old who is 2-days post-op cleft palate repair whose vital signs are within normal limits is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be mild and manageable with non-pharmacological interventions, such as distraction, comfort, or oral care.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. A 6-month-old who is crying and becomes calm when held by a parent is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from an unknown cause, but it is likely to be transient and responsive to non-pharmacological interventions, such as soothing, rocking, or cuddling.

Choice C reason: This statement is true. An 8-month-old with legs drawn to chest and a temperature of 39.5 degrees C is the priority for pain medication. This infant may have severe pain from an infection, such as appendicitis, meningitis, or urinary tract infection. This infant may also have signs of inflammation, such as fever, leukocytosis, or elevated C-reactive protein. This infant needs immediate pain relief and antibiotic therapy.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. A 4-month-old that has just returned from the recovery room is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be moderate and controlled with pharmacological interventions, such as opioids, NSAIDs, or local anesthetics.

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An 18-month-old is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. The nurse knows that therapeutic management of this child will begin with:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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