What is the most appropriate nursing action when a child with a probable intussusception has a normal, brown stool?

Answer is: d. Apply direct pressure above the catheterization site.

Explanation: The first action should be to apply direct pressure above the catheterization site to help control the bleeding and minimize blood loss. This will also give the nurse time to prepare additional interventions or supplies if necessary.

Choice a. is wrong because placing the child in the Trendelenburg position is not an appropriate initial nursing action in this scenario. This position can increase intracranial pressure and is typically used for patients experiencing shock or hypotension.

Choice b. is wrong because applying a new bandage with more pressure might be a subsequent action, but the priority is to apply direct pressure to slow down the bleeding.

Choice c. is wrong because notifying the physician is important, but the nurse should first take immediate action to control the bleeding and minimize potential harm to the patient.

The correct answer is choice D. It is a belief common at this age.

Choice A rationale:

The statement does not suggest a failed attempt to develop a conscience. The scenario described is more related to the cognitive development of an 8-year-old child. Children at this age often have magical thinking and may interpret events, such as illness, as punishments for perceived wrongdoing. This is a normal aspect of their cognitive development rather than a reflection of a failed attempt to develop a conscience.

Choice B rationale:

While beliefs about punishment and consequences are present in many religions, the scenario is not about a general religious belief but rather a specific belief held by the individual child. This belief is reflective of the child's cognitive understanding and not necessarily a religious teaching common to most religions.

Choice C rationale:

The belief is not necessarily suggestive of excessive family pressure. While family dynamics can influence a child's beliefs and behaviors, the scenario describes a typical cognitive developmental stage where children are still learning to differentiate between reality and their own thoughts, leading to magical thinking and unique interpretations.

Choice D rationale:

The belief is indeed common at this age. During middle childhood, children often exhibit concrete operational thinking, which includes a tendency to interpret events in a self-centered and concrete manner. Beliefs like the one described in the scenario, where the child connects her illness to perceived bad behavior and potential consequences, are characteristic of this developmental stage.