An adolescent who is brought to the emergency department (ED) with a fever and persistent lower right quadrant abdominal pain is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating.
The nurse anticipates the client developing which acid-base imbalance?

Choice A rationale:

A bottle is generally much better than using a pacifier. This statement is not accurate. Prolonged bottle use, especially with sugary liquids like milk, can have adverse effects on a child's dental health. It can lead to an increased risk of cavities, similar to prolonged pacifier use.

Choice B rationale:

The bottle will assist in preventing thumb sucking. This statement is incorrect. While a bottle may provide comfort to a child, it does not prevent thumb sucking. Thumb sucking is a separate behavior that may also have dental implications if it persists beyond a certain age.

Choice C rationale:

Prolonged bottle use can increase the risk for cavities. This response is correct. Prolonged bottle use, especially with milk or sugary beverages, can expose the child's teeth to prolonged contact with sugars, increasing the risk of cavities. It's important for the nurse to educate the mother about the potential dental risks associated with extended bottle use.

Choice D rationale:

Using milk rather than juice helps to avoid tooth decay. While milk is generally considered a healthier choice than juice, the key issue in this scenario is the prolonged use of the bottle, regardless of its content. Prolonged bottle use with any liquid, including milk, can still increase the risk of cavities.

Choice A rationale:

Emphasize that using safe sex practices removes the risk of STIs. Rationale: While promoting safe sex practices is essential in preventing STIs, this response is not directly addressing the client's situation. The client already reports having unprotected sex, so this choice does not provide relevant information or address the potential consequences.

Choice B rationale:

Explain that reinfections occur from sex with untreated partners. Rationale: This is the correct response. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics, but reinfections can occur if sexual partners are not treated. This response provides essential information about the potential consequences of unprotected sex with untreated partners.

Choice C rationale:

Clarify that all STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Rationale: While this statement is accurate in a general sense, it does not specifically address the client's situation or the risks associated with syphilis. It lacks the focus needed to educate the client effectively about their current situation.

Choice D rationale:

Provide counseling that most contraceptives protect against infection. Rationale: This response is inaccurate. Contraceptives primarily aim to prevent pregnancy, not protect against STIs. Therefore, it does not address the client's concern or provide relevant information about syphilis.