What is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy?

The correct answer is choice C: Oral rehydration solution (ORS).

Choice A rationale:

Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, might not be sufficient to adequately rehydrate a child with severe dehydration. Clear liquids lack the necessary electrolytes and glucose content to effectively combat dehydration and replace lost fluids.

Choice B rationale:

Administration of antidiarrheal medication is not the initial step in managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications can slow down the gastrointestinal motility, which may exacerbate the problem by delaying the elimination of the causative agent and prolonging the dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the recommended initial intervention for managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS contains the appropriate balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and glucose to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby helping to rehydrate the child effectively. It is absorbed even when digestion is impaired due to the illness.

Choice D rationale:

Intravenous fluids might be necessary if the child's condition is very severe and oral intake cannot be maintained. However, it's not the first-line intervention. Oral rehydration is preferred whenever feasible because it is less invasive and can be administered even in mild to moderate dehydration cases.

The correct answer is choice D. Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

Choice A rationale:

Having the child wear heavy clothing to prevent chilling is not an appropriate nursing intervention for an infant with an elevated temperature. Infants are more susceptible to temperature regulation issues, and heavy clothing could exacerbate their discomfort and potentially raise their body temperature further.

Choice B rationale:

Giving tepid water baths to reduce fever is not recommended for fever management in infants. Tepid baths might cause discomfort and shivering, which could lead to increased heat production and potential elevation of body temperature.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging food intake to maintain caloric needs is important, but it might not be well-tolerated by an infant with an elevated temperature and upper respiratory tract infection. Infants often have reduced appetite during illness.

Choice D rationale:

Giving small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration is an appropriate nursing intervention. Fever and elevated temperature can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and increased respiratory rate. Offering small, frequent fluid intake helps maintain hydration and prevent dehydration. Using favorite fluids can also encourage the child to drink more.