A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of an infant who is receiving treatment for severe dehydration. The professional should identify which of the following laboratory values indicates effectiveness of the current treatment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, monitoring laboratory values is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of treatment, especially in conditions like severe dehydration. In this case, the correct answer is B) Sodium 140 mEq/L. Sodium levels are a key indicator of hydration status. In severe dehydration, sodium levels are typically elevated due to the concentration of sodium in relation to water loss. Therefore, a normal sodium level of 140 mEq/L would indicate that the treatment is effective in restoring the infant's hydration status. Option A, Potassium 2.9 mEq/L, is low and can be a concern in dehydration, but it is not the best indicator of treatment effectiveness in this scenario. Option C, Urine specific gravity 1.035, reflects urine concentration and hydration status but is not as direct or sensitive as serum sodium levels. Option D, BUN 25 mg/dL, can be elevated in dehydration but is not as specific to hydration status as sodium levels. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind interpreting laboratory values in pediatric patients is essential for providing safe and effective care. By grasping the significance of each value in different clinical scenarios, nurses can make informed decisions and interventions to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The healthcare professional should perform a finger stick on a toddler as a component of the sickle turbidity test. If the test is positive, hemoglobin electrophoresis is required to distinguish between children who have the genetic trait and children who have the disease. Finger stick is a common method used to collect blood samples, especially in pediatric patients, for various tests.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatrics nursing, it is crucial to provide accurate dietary education to parents of children with conditions like celiac disease. The correct answer, option D - Rice pudding, is the most suitable choice for a school-age child with celiac disease because rice is a gluten-free grain safe for consumption by individuals with celiac disease. Rice pudding is a tasty and safe option that aligns with the dietary restrictions necessary for managing celiac disease. On the other hand, options A, B, and C are incorrect choices for a child with celiac disease. Option A - Wheat bread contains gluten, which is harmful to individuals with celiac disease as it can trigger autoimmune responses damaging the intestines. Option B - Vanilla malt often contains barley malt, which is also a gluten-containing ingredient not suitable for individuals with celiac disease. Option C - Barley soup contains barley, another gluten-containing grain that should be avoided in the diet of someone with celiac disease. By understanding the importance of gluten-free diet in managing celiac disease, parents can make informed choices to promote their child's health and well-being. Education on appropriate food choices is essential in preventing complications and ensuring optimal growth and development in children with celiac disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) "I should wear sandals as much as possible." This statement indicates an understanding of managing tinea pedis because wearing sandals promotes airflow, keeping the feet dry and preventing the fungus from thriving in moist conditions. Option A is incorrect because wearing plastic shoes at the swimming pool may trap moisture, exacerbating the fungal infection. Option C is incorrect as permethrin cream is typically used to treat scabies, not tinea pedis. Option D is incorrect as sealing non-washable shoes in plastic bags may create a damp environment, facilitating fungal growth. In an educational context, it is crucial to teach adolescents about proper foot hygiene, including keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear like sandals, changing socks daily, and avoiding sharing shoes to prevent the spread of tinea pedis. Emphasizing these preventive measures can help adolescents effectively manage and reduce the recurrence of fungal infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a head injury, the development of diabetes insipidus can occur due to pituitary hypofunction, leading to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. An elevated sodium level (hypernatremia) is a key finding in diabetes insipidus due to the excessive loss of free water in the urine, resulting in increased sodium concentration in the blood.