a 3 day old infant presents with abdominal distention is vomiting and has not passed any meconium stools what disease should the nurse suspect
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.

2. An infant with hydrocephalus is hospitalized for surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative nursing care would include what?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative nursing care for an infant with hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement includes monitoring closely for signs of infection, as infection is the greatest hazard in the postoperative period. Signs of cerebrospinal fluid infection to watch for include elevated temperature, poor feeding, vomiting, decreased responsiveness, and seizure activity. The child should be placed with the operative side of the head up to reduce pressure on the valve. The shunt reservoir should not be pumped to maintain patency, as this can disrupt its function. Maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt is contraindicated as it can lead to increased intracranial pressure and compromise the shunt's effectiveness.

3. What should the nurse include in the discharge instructions for the parents of an infant diagnosed with acute otitis media?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended to help relieve the discomfort associated with acute otitis media, such as pain and fever. Elevating the baby's head during sleep can also help with drainage and relieve pressure, making choice A incorrect. Administering an antibiotic may be necessary for bacterial otitis media but is not usually the first-line treatment for acute otitis media, so choice B is incorrect. Placing the baby to sleep with a bottle can increase the risk of ear infections due to the pooling of milk around the Eustachian tube, so choice C is incorrect.

4. The nurse is discussing development and play activities with the parent of a 2-month-old boy. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At 2 months, infants are most stimulated by visual and auditory activities, such as a music box or soft mobiles. These activities help in sensory development and are appropriate for this age.

5. A mother tells the nurse that she does not want her infant immunized because of the discomfort associated with injections. What should the nurse explain?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should explain that a topical anesthetic can be applied to the injection site before the immunization to reduce discomfort.

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