The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a newly diagnosed Growth Hormone Deficiency. From the answers below, what should she include in her teaching

A. Assess the bowel sounds:

Bowel sounds are not directly related to the assessment of ascites. Bowel sounds are more relevant in assessing gastrointestinal function and peristalsis. While bowel changes could potentially be a sign of complications, monitoring abdominal girth is more specific to tracking ascites.

B. Frequently ambulate child:

While ambulation is important for overall health, it's not a direct assessment method for monitoring ascites. Ambulating a child might have benefits, but it won't provide specific information about the presence or progression of ascites.

C. Weigh child weekly:

Weekly weighing can provide some information about overall fluid balance, but it might not be as sensitive as measuring abdominal girth when it comes to detecting changes in ascites. Additionally, monitoring weight alone might not give insight into the distribution of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

D. Monitor and measure the abdominal girth.

Explanation: The presence of ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) in a child with nephrotic syndrome could indicate worsening kidney function and fluid balance. Monitoring and measuring the abdominal girth is a reliable way to assess changes in the amount of fluid accumulation over time. An increase in abdominal girth could suggest a worsening condition.

A) Vaccinations to prevent pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis are available.

Explanation: This statement is true. Vaccinations to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis are available. Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines are included in routine childhood immunization schedules to protect against the bacteria that can cause meningitis and other serious infections. These vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis in infants and children.

B) Often a genetic predisposition to meningitis is found.

Explanation: This statement is generally false. While there may be some genetic factors that influence susceptibility to infections, including meningitis, genetic predisposition is not a primary consideration when discussing the risk of meningitis. Meningitis is more commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, and genetic predisposition is not a significant factor in its occurrence.

C) Meningitis rarely occurs during infancy.

Explanation: This statement is false. Meningitis can occur in infants, including newborns. In fact, infants are one of the age groups at higher risk for meningitis due to their underdeveloped immune systems and susceptibility to infections. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, can be severe and life-threatening in infants.

D) Vaccination to prevent all types of meningitis is now available.

Explanation: This statement is not entirely accurate. While vaccinations are available to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis (such as pneumococcal and Hib meningitis), there is no single vaccine that can prevent all types of meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and the vaccines target specific ones. It's important for caregivers to ensure that their infants receive recommended vaccines to protect against the most common causes of meningitis.