A 6-month-old infant has severe diarrhea. Which of the following is the major problem associated with severe diarrhea?
a. Pain in the abdominal area
b. Electrolyte and fluid loss
c. Presence of excessive flatus
d. Irritation of the perineal and rectal area
B
Excess loss of colonic fluid due to diarrhea can result in serious fluid and electrolyte or acid–base imbalances. Infants and older adults are particularly susceptible to associated complications.
Pain from abdominal cramping may occur with diarrhea, but it is not the major problem associ-ated with severe diarrhea.
Excessive flatus is not the major problem associated with severe diarrhea.
Because repeated passage of diarrhea stools exposes the skin of the perineum and buttocks to irritating intestinal contents, meticulous skin care and containment of fecal drainage is needed to prevent skin breakdown. However, the greatest danger of severe diarrhea is a fluid and electro-lyte or acid–base imbalance.
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Parents of a child with a congenital heart defect ask what the chances are of recurrence in future pregnancies. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. "There is a 50% chance of recurrence in a future pregnancy." 2. "There is a very low chance of recurrence." 3. "It should not happen again with a future pregnancy." 4. "There is a strong chance of recurrence."
The nurse is assessing a client for chronic rheumatic heart disease. What symptom would indicate that the client's condition is severe and requires immediate attention?
A) The client's systolic blood pressure falls below 90 mm Hg. B) The client complains of shortness of breath with exercise. C) The client complains of a dry cough. D) The client exhibits a low-grade fever.
What is used to open the airway during cardiac arrest?
a. Abdominal thrusts b. The head tilt–chin lift method c. The tongue–jaw lift maneuver d. The finger-sweep maneuver
It is now recommended that children with asthma who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently because they may develop:
a. Cough. c. Slowed growth. b. Osteoporosis. d. Cushing's syndrome.