Calcium carbonate is given with meals to a child with chronic renal disease. The purpose of this is to achieve which desired result?

The correct answer is choice D. Birth history.

Choice A rationale:

The heading "Chief complaint" is used to document the primary reason for the patient seeking medical attention, such as their main symptom or concern. This is usually stated in the patient's own words and provides context for the visit, but it does not encompass information about the circumstances of birth or prematurity.

Choice B rationale:

"Review of systems" involves a systematic approach to inquire about the patient's current symptoms or physical complaints across different body systems. It helps to identify any additional issues the patient might not have mentioned initially, but it does not pertain to birth history or prematurity.

Choice C rationale:

"Present illness" is the section where the nurse documents the patient's current health concern, including the details of the symptoms, their onset, duration, and any associated factors. However, it does not encompass information about the circumstances of birth or prematurity.

Choice D rationale:

"Birth history" is the most appropriate heading for recording information about the infant's delivery, including any difficulties during delivery and the fact that the baby was born prematurely. This information is relevant for understanding the infant's medical background and potential risk factors associated with prematurity.

Choice A rationale:

Calcium carbonate is often given with meals to individuals with chronic renal disease, especially those on dialysis. One of the primary purposes is to bind dietary phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract. In chronic renal disease, the kidneys are less effective at filtering out excess phosphorus from the blood, leading to elevated phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia). Elevated phosphorus levels can contribute to bone and mineral disorders in these patients. Calcium carbonate forms insoluble calcium phosphate complexes with dietary phosphorus, preventing its absorption and facilitating its elimination from the body through the feces.

Choice B rationale:

While calcium carbonate can interact with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, the primary reason for administering it to individuals with chronic renal disease is to manage phosphorus levels. Calcium carbonate can bind phosphorus and prevent its absorption, which is particularly important for patients with compromised kidney function.

Choice C rationale:

Stimulating appetite is not a primary purpose of administering calcium carbonate to children with chronic renal disease. The main focus is on managing phosphorus levels and preventing complications associated with hyperphosphatemia.

Choice D rationale:

Preventing vomiting is not a primary purpose of giving calcium carbonate to children with chronic renal disease. Calcium carbonate is typically used to manage phosphorus levels and complications related to hyperphosphatemia in this population.