Midterm ch 25 Flashcards
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child who is admitted with dehydration following a gastrointestinal infection. Which of the following findings is most concerning?
A. Dry mouth and lips
B. Reduced urine output
C. Skin turgor returning to normal within 2 seconds
D. Restlessness and irritability
B. Reduced urine output
Rationale: Reduced urine output is a critical sign of dehydration, especially in children, and may indicate more severe dehydration and the need for immediate intervention.
A 4-year-old child with moderate dehydration is being treated in the emergency department. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for rehydrating the child?
A. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly without reassessing hydration status
B. Restricting oral fluids to prevent vomiting
C. Providing only plain water to rehydrate the child
D. Offering the child small sips of water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently
D. Offering the child small sips of water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently
Rationale: ORS is specifically designed to replace both water and electrolytes lost during dehydration, and frequent small sips are effective in rehydrating without overwhelming the child’s stomach.
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with dehydration from acute gastroenteritis. Which clinical sign would indicate that the infant is experiencing severe dehydration?
A. Decreased urinary output
B. Sunken fontanel
C. Mild irritability
D. Moist mucous membranes
B. Sunken fontanel
Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of severe dehydration in infants and indicates a significant loss of fluid volume.
A child with dehydration is being managed with oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Which of the following statements by the parent indicates the need for further teaching?
A. “I should give my child small amounts of oral rehydration solution every 10-15 minutes.”
B. “I can give my child an oral rehydration solution that contains electrolytes, such as Pedialyte.”
C. “If my child vomits, I should immediately give them more fluids.”
D. “I will monitor my child’s hydration status by checking their urine output.”
C. “If my child vomits, I should immediately give them more fluids.”
Rationale: If a child vomits after oral rehydration therapy, fluids should be withheld for 5-10 minutes, then given in small sips. Immediate re-administration could exacerbate vomiting and further dehydrate the child.
A nurse is caring for a child with moderate dehydration. Which of the following clinical signs should the nurse monitor most closely to assess for worsening dehydration?
A. Respiratory rate and pattern
B. Blood pressure
C. Presence of a rash
D. Capillary refill time
D. Capillary refill time
Rationale: Capillary refill time is a reliable indicator of circulatory status and can provide early evidence of worsening dehydration. Prolonged capillary refill time suggests poor perfusion.
A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) fluid bolus to a child with severe dehydration. Which of the following is the priority nursing action before administering the IV fluids?
A. Ensure that the child has a patent IV line and appropriate fluid type
B. Obtain a urine sample to assess kidney function
C. Monitor the child’s weight
D. Document the child’s vital signs and hydration status
A. Ensure that the child has a patent IV line and appropriate fluid type
Rationale: Ensuring that the child has a patent IV line and receiving the correct type of fluid is the priority to ensure safe and effective rehydration before administering IV fluids.
A 3-year-old child is admitted with dehydration and vomiting. The nurse suspects that the child is at risk for hypokalemia due to the loss of potassium from vomiting. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
A. Administering potassium-rich foods, such as bananas
B. Administering intravenous fluids with potassium supplementation
C. Encouraging the child to drink fruit juice
D. Monitoring the child’s blood glucose levels
B. Administering intravenous fluids with potassium supplementation
Rationale: Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance associated with dehydration and vomiting. Potassium supplementation is needed to prevent complications, and it is often given with IV fluids in cases of severe dehydration.
A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant for signs of dehydration. Which of the following findings would be most concerning for the nurse?
A. Slightly dry skin and a slightly decreased appetite
B. Slightly increased heart rate and fever
C. A 10% decrease in body weight and a weak cry
D. Normal skin turgor and moist mucous membranes
C. A 10% decrease in body weight and a weak cry
Rationale: A 10% decrease in body weight is a critical sign of dehydration in infants, and a weak cry indicates poor hydration status, which requires urgent intervention.
A nurse is caring for a child with dehydration and is providing parental education. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate?
A. “You can give your child water and juice to rehydrate them.”
B. “Offer your child small amounts of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently.”
C. “Only offer your child clear fluids such as soda or clear broth.”
D. “Avoid offering your child any fluids until they are no longer vomiting.”
B. “Offer your child small amounts of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently.”
Rationale: ORS is designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and is the preferred method of rehydration. Small amounts should be given frequently to avoid overwhelming the stomach.
A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child with dehydration secondary to diarrhea. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering antibiotics to prevent infection
B. Starting an IV line for rapid fluid resuscitation
C. Encouraging the child to eat solid foods as soon as possible
D. Monitoring for signs of electrolyte imbalances
D. Monitoring for signs of electrolyte imbalances
Rationale: Dehydration secondary to diarrhea can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Monitoring for these imbalances is a priority before other interventions.
A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with gastroenteritis. The child has been experiencing frequent watery stools and mild irritability. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer intravenous fluids to correct fluid imbalance
B. Start oral rehydration therapy (ORT)
C. Provide an antiemetic medication
D. Administer an antidiarrheal medication
B. Start oral rehydration therapy (ORT)
Rationale: For mild to moderate dehydration, oral rehydration therapy is the first line of treatment to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. IV fluids are reserved for severe dehydration.
A nurse is educating the parents of a child with gastroenteritis about the importance of rehydration. Which statement by the parent indicates the need for further teaching?
A. “I will offer my child small sips of oral rehydration solution every 10-15 minutes.”
B. “I should avoid giving my child carbonated beverages and fruit juices.”
C. “I can give my child regular milk to drink while they recover.”
D. “I will monitor my child’s urine output to ensure they are staying hydrated.”
C. “I can give my child regular milk to drink while they recover.”
Rationale: Regular milk should not be given during gastroenteritis as it can worsen diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions are preferred, and the child should be given clear liquids initially.
A 6-month-old infant is hospitalized for severe dehydration due to gastroenteritis. Which finding is most concerning and indicates the need for urgent intervention?
A. Dry mouth and sunken fontanel
B. Mild irritability and increased thirst
C. Normal urine output and alertness
D. Slightly increased heart rate and low-grade fever
A. Dry mouth and sunken fontanel
Rationale: A sunken fontanel and dry mouth are signs of severe dehydration in infants. Immediate intervention is needed to restore hydration.
A child with gastroenteritis is receiving intravenous fluids for severe dehydration. The nurse notes that the child’s urine output has decreased significantly over the past few hours. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of IV fluids
B. Assess vital signs and reassess hydration status
C. Notify the healthcare provider to order an antibiotic
D. Administer a dose of diuretics to promote urine output
B. Assess vital signs and reassess hydration status
Rationale: Decreased urine output can indicate worsening dehydration or renal compromise. It is crucial to reassess the child’s hydration and monitor vital signs closely.
A child with gastroenteritis is being treated with oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Provide large amounts of water to the child to quickly rehydrate
B. Limit oral rehydration solution to 1-2 sips every hour
C. Encourage the child to drink small amounts of oral rehydration solution every 10-15 minutes
D. Withhold oral fluids until the child is no longer vomiting
C. Encourage the child to drink small amounts of oral rehydration solution every 10-15 minutes
Rationale: Small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution help replace lost fluids and electrolytes without overwhelming the child’s stomach.
A nurse is caring for a child with viral gastroenteritis. The child has had 5 episodes of vomiting and 6 watery stools within the past 24 hours. Which of the following clinical findings would suggest the child is at risk for hypovolemic shock?
A. Decreased heart rate and normal blood pressure
B. Decreased blood pressure and rapid, weak pulse
C. Increased urine output and irritability
D. Elevated temperature and warm, dry skin
B. Decreased blood pressure and rapid, weak pulse
Rationale: Decreased blood pressure and a rapid, weak pulse are signs of hypovolemic shock, which can occur if fluid and electrolyte losses from gastroenteritis are not addressed promptly.
A nurse is caring for a child with gastroenteritis who is receiving oral rehydration therapy. Which of the following should the nurse avoid administering to the child?
A. Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
B. Clear liquids such as broth
C. Fruit juices such as apple juice
D. Small amounts of water
C. Fruit juices such as apple juice
Rationale: Fruit juices should be avoided in gastroenteritis because they can increase the osmotic load in the intestines, worsening diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
A nurse is explaining to the parents of a child with gastroenteritis that antimicrobial therapy may be prescribed if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection. Which of the following would be an appropriate indication for antimicrobial therapy?
A. Watery diarrhea caused by rotavirus
B. Diarrhea accompanied by a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
C. Diarrhea associated with lactose intolerance
D. Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli infection
D. Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli infection
Rationale: Antimicrobial therapy is indicated for bacterial infections such as those caused by Escherichia coli, but not for viral causes like rotavirus or lactose intolerance.
A 4-year-old child is admitted with gastroenteritis. The child is experiencing mild dehydration and the nurse is planning to initiate oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Administer large amounts of water immediately to rehydrate the child
B. Start the child on clear liquids and then advance to regular foods
C. Provide oral rehydration solution in small, frequent sips
D. Withhold all fluids until the child stops vomiting
C. Provide oral rehydration solution in small, frequent sips
Rationale: Oral rehydration solution should be given in small, frequent sips to replace fluids and electrolytes effectively without overwhelming the child’s stomach.
A nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with gastroenteritis. Which of the following findings is most suggestive of severe dehydration and requires immediate intervention?
A. The infant’s fontanel is sunken, and their skin is cool and clammy
B. The infant has a normal heart rate and normal skin turgor
C. The infant’s urine output is slightly decreased and they are slightly irritable
D. The infant is feeding normally and has moist mucous membranes
A. The infant’s fontanel is sunken, and their skin is cool and clammy
Rationale: A sunken fontanel and cool, clammy skin are signs of severe dehydration in infants and require immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
A nurse is caring for a child with gastroenteritis and is monitoring the child’s stool. The nurse notes that the stool is watery and foul-smelling, and the child has a fever. What should the nurse do next?
A. Administer an antidiarrheal medication to reduce stool frequency
B. Isolate the child to prevent the spread of infection
C. Encourage the child to drink fruit juices to restore hydration
D. Administer intravenous fluids immediately
B. Isolate the child to prevent the spread of infection
Rationale: Isolation is important to prevent transmission of infectious agents, especially when the child has diarrhea and a fever. The stool’s appearance and the fever suggest an infectious etiology.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when assessing the child’s hydration status? (Select all that apply.)
A. Assess the child’s skin turgor
B. Weigh the child daily and compare to preadmission weight
C. Document the frequency and consistency of stools
D. Encourage the child to drink large amounts of water
E. Monitor the child’s mucous membranes for signs of dryness
A. Assess the child’s skin turgor
B. Weigh the child daily and compare to preadmission weight
C. Document the frequency and consistency of stools
E. Monitor the child’s mucous membranes for signs of dryness
Rationale: Assessing skin turgor, weighing the child daily, documenting stool characteristics, and monitoring mucous membranes are essential for evaluating hydration status. Encouraging large amounts of water is not appropriate for children with gastroenteritis, as it can exacerbate vomiting.
A 4-year-old child with gastroenteritis has been vomiting and having diarrhea for 24 hours. The nurse observes that the child has dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and a rapid heart rate. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A. An allergic reaction to food
B. Gastrointestinal bleeding
C. Acute appendicitis
D. Severe dehydration
D. Severe dehydration
Rationale: The dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and rapid heart rate are signs of severe dehydration, which can result from fluid losses due to vomiting and diarrhea.
A nurse is caring for an infant with gastroenteritis and is planning to prevent skin breakdown. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)
A. Change the infant’s diaper every 2 hours
B. Apply A&D ointment with each diaper change
C. Use a mild soap to clean the diaper area after soiling
D. Leave the infant’s buttocks open to air several times a day
E. Allow the infant to wear underwear if tolerated
A. Change the infant’s diaper every 2 hours
B. Apply A&D ointment with each diaper change
C. Use a mild soap to clean the diaper area after soiling
D. Leave the infant’s buttocks open to air several times a day
Rationale: Frequent diaper changes, application of barrier ointment, and allowing the buttocks to air out are important in preventing and managing skin breakdown. Mild soap is appropriate for cleaning the area, and underwear should be avoided to reduce friction and moisture.