Acute diarrhea in infancy is commonly caused by

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of acute diarrhea in infancy, the most common cause is overfeeding, making option B the correct answer. Overfeeding can overwhelm the infant's gastrointestinal system, leading to diarrhea as the body tries to rid itself of the excess nutrients. This scenario is common in infants who are fed too much formula or solid foods. Option A, primary disaccharidase deficiency, is less likely to be the cause of acute diarrhea in infancy. This condition involves the inability to break down certain sugars properly and usually presents with chronic diarrhea rather than sudden onset acute diarrhea. Hirschsprung disease, option C, is a congenital condition where nerve cells are missing in the colon, leading to severe constipation rather than acute diarrhea. Option D, adrenogenital syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that typically does not present with acute diarrhea in infancy. Educationally, understanding the common causes of acute diarrhea in infants is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients. Proper feeding practices and recognizing symptoms can help prevent and manage episodes of diarrhea in infants effectively. This knowledge is essential for pediatric nurses, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals caring for infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Atropine sulfate, a pyloric muscle relaxant, is used as a temporary measure in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis when surgical intervention is not immediately available. The success rate of oral and intravenous atropine sulfate in treating this condition is around 60%. This success is attributed to the ability of atropine to inhibit acetylcholine receptors, which helps in relaxing the hypertrophied pyloric muscle and improving gastric outlet obstruction. Option A (20%) is incorrect because a success rate of 20% would indicate a much lower effectiveness of atropine sulfate in treating hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. This rate would not support the widespread use of atropine in this condition. Option B (40%) is also incorrect as a success rate of 40% would suggest a moderate effectiveness of atropine, which is lower than the actual success rate observed in clinical practice. Option D (80%) is incorrect because while atropine is effective in many cases, an 80% success rate would overestimate its efficacy in treating hypertrophic pyloric stenosis without surgical intervention. Educationally, understanding the success rate of atropine sulfate in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is crucial for healthcare professionals working with pediatric patients. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention in cases where atropine treatment may not be sufficient. This knowledge can help in making informed clinical decisions and providing optimal care for children with GI disorders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) hypermagnesemia. Ileus is the failure of intestinal peristalsis due to loss of coordinated gut motility without mechanical obstruction. Hypermagnesemia is not typically associated with causing ileus in children. A) Uremia is a metabolic abnormality that can lead to ileus in children due to its effects on gastrointestinal motility. B) Hypokalemia can disrupt smooth muscle function, including in the intestines, leading to ileus. C) Hypocalcemia can also affect smooth muscle function and is associated with intestinal motility issues like ileus. In an educational context, understanding the metabolic abnormalities that can contribute to ileus is crucial for healthcare providers caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing these associations can aid in prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of ileus in children, improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse is to immediately notify the physician of the child's status (Option D). This is crucial because the child's symptoms of nausea and sharp abdominal pain, followed by vomiting and pain relief, could indicate a potential appendicitis which may require urgent medical attention or surgical intervention. By notifying the physician promptly, further evaluation and appropriate treatment can be initiated without delay, ensuring the child's well-being and safety. Option A is incorrect because while addressing the nausea with Zofran is important, it should not take precedence over informing the physician about the child's condition. Option B is also incorrect as administering an intravenous bolus without consulting the physician first could be unnecessary or even harmful. Option C is incorrect as the child's symptoms warrant further evaluation rather than immediate discharge. This scenario provides a valuable educational context for healthcare professionals to understand the critical importance of timely communication and collaboration in pediatric care, especially when dealing with potentially serious conditions like appendicitis. It underscores the significance of clinical judgment, prioritization, and effective communication in ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) NEC occurs only in preemies and low-birth-weight infants. Rationale: - Correct: NEC primarily affects preterm infants with immature gastrointestinal tracts, making them more susceptible to this serious condition. It is more common in low-birth-weight babies due to their underdeveloped intestines. - Incorrect: A) While breast milk is beneficial for preemies, it alone cannot prevent NEC. Other factors like prematurity and intestinal immaturity play a significant role. B) The incidence of NEC is not solely due to more preterm infants surviving but also due to factors like immature immune systems and intestinal issues. C) While NEC can lead to sepsis, not all infants with NEC will deteriorate quickly. The progression can vary based on the severity of the condition and prompt treatment. Educational Context: Understanding NEC is crucial for healthcare providers caring for preterm infants. Educating about the risk factors, signs, and appropriate interventions can help in early detection and management of NEC, potentially improving outcomes for these vulnerable infants. Recognizing that NEC is not exclusive to preemies but primarily affects them due to their physiological vulnerabilities is essential in providing optimal care and support.