ATI RN
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Nursing Interventions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old who has just had an isolated cleft lip repaired. Select the best position for the child in the immediate postoperative period.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the immediate postoperative period following cleft lip repair in a 4-month-old infant, the best position for the child is option C) Supine. Placing the infant in a supine position helps to minimize pressure on the surgical site, reduces the risk of disrupting sutures or incisions, and promotes airway patency and proper oxygenation, which are crucial for healing and recovery. Option A) Right side-lying and option B) Left side-lying can increase the risk of putting pressure on the surgical site and may lead to discomfort for the infant. Placing the infant in a prone position (option D) is contraindicated as it can also put pressure on the surgical area and compromise the infant's ability to breathe effectively, especially considering the age and recent surgery of the child. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind positioning post cleft lip repair is essential for pediatric nurses to provide optimal care and promote successful outcomes for their young patients. By ensuring proper positioning, nurses can contribute significantly to the infant's comfort, safety, and overall recovery process.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a newborn with esophageal atresia. When reviewing the mother's history, which would the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A) Maternal polyhydramnios. Esophageal atresia is a congenital condition where the esophagus does not develop properly, leading to a gap between the upper and lower parts of the esophagus. This condition can result in excess amniotic fluid in the womb, known as polyhydramnios. When the baby swallows amniotic fluid, it cannot pass through the esophagus, causing a buildup of fluid in the womb. Option B) Pregnancy lasting more than 38 weeks is not directly associated with esophageal atresia. The condition is related to abnormal development of the esophagus rather than the duration of pregnancy. Option C) Poor nutrition during pregnancy is not a specific risk factor for esophageal atresia. While proper nutrition is essential for overall fetal development, it is not directly linked to this congenital anomaly. Option D) Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is more commonly associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other developmental abnormalities, rather than esophageal atresia specifically. Educational Context: Understanding the maternal history and risk factors associated with congenital conditions like esophageal atresia is crucial for pediatric nurses. By recognizing the correlation between maternal polyhydramnios and esophageal atresia, nurses can anticipate and provide appropriate care for newborns with this condition. This knowledge enables nurses to offer comprehensive support to both the infant and the family, promoting better outcomes and quality of care.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an infant who has been diagnosed with short bowel syndrome (SBS). The parent asks how the disease will affect the child. Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is option D: "The prognosis and course of the disease have changed because hyperalimentation (parenteral nutrition) is available." This response is the best choice because it provides the parent with updated information about the management of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Hyperalimentation, or parenteral nutrition, plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrients to individuals with SBS who are unable to absorb nutrients through the digestive tract. This intervention has significantly improved the outcomes and quality of life for patients with SBS, making it a more optimistic outlook for the child. Option A is incorrect because it only focuses on the aspect of constipation, which is not the primary concern in SBS. Option B is incorrect as it simplifies the impact of SBS on nutrient absorption without providing a comprehensive explanation. Option C is incorrect and lacks sensitivity and hope, which are essential when communicating with parents about their child's health condition. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to stay updated on the latest advancements in the management of pediatric gastrointestinal conditions like SBS. Providing accurate and current information to parents helps them understand the disease better and feel more confident in the care their child receives. This empowers parents to actively participate in their child's treatment and decision-making process, leading to better outcomes and improved family-centered care.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a child who had an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix 5 days ago. The nurse knows that further education is required when the parent states:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D ("We will encourage our child to go for walks every day") is the one that indicates a need for further education. Following an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix, it is not advisable to encourage the child to engage in physical activity like daily walks so soon after the surgery. Option A is correct as it aligns with the recommended gradual return to normal activities after surgery. Option B is also correct as it acknowledges the need for a longer recovery period before engaging in sports. Option C is correct as it emphasizes the importance of monitoring the wound for any signs of infection or complications. It is crucial to educate parents on the appropriate post-appendectomy care, including the importance of rest, gradual return to physical activity, monitoring for signs of infection, and following the healthcare provider's recommendations for recovery. Encouraging early physical activity can lead to complications and delay the healing process, making it essential to provide clear and accurate information to ensure the child's optimal recovery.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse receives a call from the mother of a 6-month-old who describes her child as alternately sleepy and fussy. The infant vomited once this morning and had two episodes of diarrhea; the last episode contained mucus and a small amount of blood. The mother asks what she should do. Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response, D, instructs the mother to take the child to the emergency room immediately because the symptoms described (vomiting, bloody diarrhea, mucus) are indicative of intussusception, a serious condition where one part of the intestine slides into another part, causing a blockage. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention to prevent complications like bowel perforation. Option A is incorrect because it lacks urgency in addressing the potentially life-threatening situation. Option B is also incorrect as waiting for another episode of vomiting before seeking medical attention can delay necessary treatment. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the symptoms are due to a formula allergy without considering the severity of the presentation. In an educational context, it's crucial for nurses to recognize red flag symptoms in pediatric patients that warrant immediate medical attention. Understanding the urgency of certain symptoms like bloody diarrhea in infants can help prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions like intussusception, ultimately improving patient outcomes.