which physiological acid base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea

ATI RN

Nursing Care of Children Final ATI

1. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

A. High serum pH
B. Normal serum pH
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

2. A new mom is ready to introduce solid foods to her infant. Which food would you recommend starting with?

A. Meat
B. Rice cereal
C. Fruits
D. Vegetables

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rice cereal. Rice cereal is typically the first solid food introduced to infants because it is easy to digest and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Starting with rice cereal helps assess the baby's readiness for solid foods and reduces the risk of allergic responses. Choice A (Meat) is not recommended as the initial solid food due to its higher allergenic potential. Choices C (Fruits) and D (Vegetables) are also not usually recommended as the first solid food, as they may be more challenging for infants to digest compared to rice cereal.

3. What statement best describes Hirschsprung disease?

A. The colon has an aganglionic segment.
B. It results in frequent evacuation of solids, liquid, and gas.
C. The neonate passes excessive amounts of meconium.
D. It results in excessive peristaltic movements within the gastrointestinal tract.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in a segment of the colon, leading to a lack of peristalsis and obstruction. The other options do not accurately describe this condition.

4. A sixteen-year-old boy is diagnosed with osteosarcoma. What information should the nurse know regarding the treatment plan?

A. Amputation of the affected extremity is rarely necessary.
B. Intensive radiation is the primary treatment modality.
C. Treatment usually consists of surgery and chemotherapy.
D. Bone marrow transplantation is the preferred option for long-term survival.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osteosarcoma is typically treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. This approach aims to remove the tumor and reduce the risk of metastasis. Amputation of the affected extremity may be necessary in some cases to ensure complete removal of the tumor. Intensive radiation is not the primary treatment for osteosarcoma, and bone marrow transplantation is not the standard treatment for this type of cancer.

5. What is the narrowing of the preputial opening of the foreskin called?

A. Chordee
B. Phimosis
C. Epispadias
D. Hypospadias

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phimosis is the condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis due to a narrowing of the preputial opening. Chordee, epispadias, and hypospadias are different conditions involving the penis's structure.