As part of the treatment for congestive heart failure, the child takes the diuretic furosemide. As part of teaching home care, the nurse encourages the family to give the child foods such as bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables. These foods are recommended because they are high in what electrolyte?

The correct answer is choice C. Asthma.

Choice A rationale:

A foreign body in the trachea can cause acute respiratory distress and a sudden cough, but it is unlikely to cause chronic nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase of respiration. The symptoms in the scenario are more suggestive of a chronic condition.

Choice B rationale:

Bronchiolitis primarily affects infants and young children, causing symptoms such as fever, rhinorrhea, and wheezing. While wheezing can be present, the diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase described in the scenario is more characteristic of asthma.

Choice C rationale:

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to episodes of bronchoconstriction and increased airway reactivity. The chronic, nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase are classic signs of asthma. Expiratory phase wheezing occurs due to the narrowing of the smaller airways during expiration.

Choice D rationale:

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue and can cause productive cough, fever, and crackles on auscultation. While wheezing might occur in pneumonia due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, it's not the most likely cause of the symptoms described in the scenario.

The correct answer is choice A. Wearing cotton underpants.

Choice A rationale:

Wearing cotton underpants is the recommended option to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls. Cotton underpants allow better air circulation, which helps to keep the perineal area dry. This reduces the growth of bacteria and prevents moisture buildup, which are crucial in preventing UTIs. Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and create a conducive environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of UTIs.

Choice B rationale:

Limiting bathing as much as possible is not an appropriate recommendation for preventing UTIs. Hygiene is essential to prevent UTIs, and regular bathing is part of maintaining cleanliness. Overly limiting bathing can lead to poor hygiene practices and may not significantly prevent UTIs, as they are often caused by factors beyond bathing frequency.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing fluids and decreasing salt intake can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent UTIs. While staying hydrated is important for maintaining urinary health, simply increasing fluids and reducing salt intake might not be sufficient to prevent UTIs. Hygiene practices and proper perineal care play a more significant role in preventing UTIs.

Choice D rationale:

Cleansing the perineum with water after voiding is a good hygiene practice, but it alone may not be enough to prevent UTIs. While maintaining cleanliness is crucial, using water to cleanse the perineum after voiding should be combined with other practices, such as wearing cotton underpants and proper wiping techniques, to effectively prevent UTIs.