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. What is the primary consideration of susceptibility to infections in neonates?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary consideration of susceptibility to infections in neonates is their diminished nonspecific and specific immunity. Neonates lack the ability to mount a robust immune response, making them vulnerable to infections. Choice A is incorrect because neonates do not have increased humoral immunity; rather, their humoral immunity is diminished. Choice B is incorrect as neonates do not have an overwhelming anti-inflammatory response; instead, their immune responses are generally weakened. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have diminished or absent levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M, contributing to their susceptibility to infections.

3. When should a child receive the first dose of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine if the mother is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If the mother is HBsAg negative, it is recommended that the child receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth before discharge from the hospital. This is to provide early protection against the hepatitis B virus. The second dose of the vaccine is typically given at the first well-child visit, and the third dose is usually administered at a later date. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics govern the recommendations for immunization, including the hepatitis B virus vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as the first dose should ideally be given at birth. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 6 months of age may leave the child vulnerable to infection during the early months of life. Choice D is incorrect as the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, especially if the mother is HBsAg negative, to prevent transmission of the virus.

4. Which action should the nurse implement when taking an axillary temperature?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique involves placing the thermometer tip in the center of the axilla to ensure an accurate reading, with the arm held close to the body.

5. Why does the nurse have a 2-year-old boy sit in a “tailor” position while palpating for the presence of the testes?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The tailor position stretches the muscle responsible for the cremasteric reflex, preventing it from contracting and pulling the testes into the pelvic cavity. This position helps accurately palpate the testes. Choice B is incorrect because the position does not facilitate the palpation of undescended testes specifically. Choice C is incorrect as it does not relate to the rationale behind the tailor position. Choice D is incorrect as the reason for using the tailor position is not related to the child's need for privacy.

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