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 is born with anencephaly. Based on the knowledge of this diagnosis, what information does the nurse consider when interacting with the family?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The condition is incompatible with life.' Anencephaly is the most serious neural tube defect where both hemispheres of the brain are absent. It is incompatible with life, as there are no medical or surgical treatment options available. While some infants with mature brain stem function can maintain vital functions for a short period, anencephaly is ultimately not survivable. Choice A is incorrect as there are no treatment options for anencephaly. Choice B is incorrect as immediate surgery is not necessary for this condition. Choice D is incorrect as an infant with anencephaly will not have permanent disabilities since the condition is not compatible with life.

3. What amount of fluid loss occurs with moderate dehydration?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Moderate dehydration is typically defined as a loss of 50 to 90 mL/kg of body weight. This amount reflects significant fluid loss that requires medical attention but is not yet severe.

4. The presence of which pair of factors is a good predictor of a fluid deficit of at least 5% in an infant?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and an ill appearance are good indicators of dehydration in infants, often correlating with a fluid deficit of at least 5%. Sunken fontanels and poor skin turgor are also indicative but were not options here.

5. What should the healthcare provider consider when providing support to a family whose infant has just been diagnosed with biliary atresia?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When supporting a family whose infant has been diagnosed with biliary atresia, it is important to consider that liver transplantation may be needed eventually. Biliary atresia is a serious condition where bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder is blocked or absent. While surgical interventions like the Kasai procedure can temporarily improve bile flow and delay the need for transplantation, the long-term survival often depends on liver transplantation as the child grows older. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the prognosis for full recovery is not excellent as biliary atresia is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing medical management, death usually does not occur by 6 months of age but the condition does require intervention, and not all children with surgical correction can live normal lives without the need for further interventions like transplantation.

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