The nurse is caring for an infant with biliary atresia. The parents ask why the child is receiving cholestyramine. Select the nurse's best response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B) To relieve your child's itching (pruritus). Cholestyramine is a medication commonly used in pediatric patients with biliary atresia to help alleviate itching, a common symptom due to the accumulation of bile salts in the bloodstream. By binding to these bile salts, cholestyramine reduces their absorption and subsequently decreases pruritus, improving the infant's comfort and quality of life. Option A) To lower your child's cholesterol is incorrect because cholestyramine is not primarily used for reducing cholesterol levels in this scenario. While it can impact cholesterol levels, its main purpose in biliary atresia is to manage pruritus. Option C) To help your child gain weight is incorrect as cholestyramine does not directly impact weight gain. Weight gain in infants with biliary atresia is more related to ensuring adequate nutrition and managing complications of the disease. Option D) To help feedings be absorbed in a more efficient manner is incorrect because cholestyramine does not enhance the absorption of feedings. Its role is specifically targeted at bile salt binding and relieving pruritus in conditions like biliary atresia. Educational Context: Understanding the rationale behind using cholestyramine in pediatric patients with biliary atresia is crucial for nurses caring for these infants. By knowing the specific purpose of this medication, nurses can educate parents effectively about its benefits and help manage their child's symptoms more comprehensively. This knowledge also aids in providing holistic care and addressing parental concerns, ultimately improving the overall care experience for the infant and their family.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Offer your child 1/2 ounce of Pedialyte every 10 minutes. If vomiting continues, keep the child NPO for a while, then restart fluids slowly. This response is the best choice because it provides a balanced approach to managing the situation. Offering Pedialyte helps prevent dehydration and provides essential electrolytes. The small, frequent amounts help reduce the likelihood of further vomiting. If vomiting persists, the instruction to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth) allows the stomach to rest before slowly reintroducing fluids. Option A is incorrect because giving plain water can worsen dehydration due to the lack of electrolytes. Option B is incorrect as restricting feeding can lead to further dehydration and inadequate nutrition for the baby. Option C is also incorrect as withholding fluids for 24 hours can lead to dehydration and is not recommended, especially for infants. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of assessing and managing vomiting in infants to prevent dehydration. It emphasizes the need for proper fluid and electrolyte replacement strategies in pediatric patients, especially in cases of acute gastrointestinal disturbances. Understanding these principles is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best response for managing a 4-year-old's constipation is option A: "Add 2 ounces of apple or pear juice to your child's diet to help loosen the stool." This is the correct choice because apple and pear juices contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that can help soften and loosen stools, aiding in relieving constipation in children. Option B is incorrect because while fresh fruits like apples and bananas are good sources of fiber which can help with constipation, the specific recommendation of apple or pear juice in option A is more effective in this scenario. Option C, encouraging the child to drink more fluids, is a general recommendation for overall health but may not directly address the constipation concern as effectively as the sorbitol in apple or pear juice. Option D, suggesting to decrease bulky foods like whole-grain breads and rice, is not ideal as fiber from whole grains is typically beneficial for preventing constipation. In an educational context, it's important for nurses to understand the specific dietary recommendations for managing pediatric GI disorders like constipation to provide effective and evidence-based care to young patients. By knowing the properties of different foods and their effects on digestion, nurses can offer tailored advice to parents seeking help for their child's gastrointestinal issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) Offer a diet high in protein. In the case of encopresis, which is a condition characterized by chronic constipation leading to involuntary bowel movements, it is essential to provide a diet high in fiber rather than protein. Fiber helps soften the stool and promotes regular bowel movements, which is crucial in managing and preventing further episodes of encopresis. Therefore, offering a diet high in protein would not address the underlying issue of constipation in this child. Option A) Limit the intake of milk is incorrect because milk intake does not directly relate to encopresis. However, excessive dairy consumption can sometimes contribute to constipation in some individuals, so it may be beneficial to monitor dairy intake. Option B) Obtain a complete dietary log is a good practice as it helps identify any dietary factors that may be contributing to constipation. This information can guide interventions and dietary modifications to improve bowel function. Option C) Follow up with a child psychologist is important in cases of encopresis as it is often associated with psychological factors like stress or anxiety. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, including psychologists, can address both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Educational Context: Understanding the appropriate dietary interventions for pediatric GI disorders like encopresis is crucial for nurses working with children. By providing a rationale for the correct answer and explaining why the other options are incorrect, nurses can develop a comprehensive approach to managing such conditions. It also emphasizes the importance of considering both physical and psychological factors in addressing pediatric GI disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Abdominal distention, enlarged liver and spleen, clay-colored stool, and tea-colored urine in a 4-week-old infant with biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is a serious pediatric GI disorder where there is a blockage in the bile ducts, leading to bile accumulation in the liver. This results in jaundice, clay-colored stools due to lack of bile in the intestines, and tea-colored urine due to conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Abdominal distention occurs due to liver enlargement. Option B is incorrect because bruising, bloody stools, and hematuria are not typical manifestations of biliary atresia. Option C is incorrect as the manifestations described are more indicative of a bleeding disorder or liver dysfunction. Option D is incorrect as biliary atresia typically presents with symptoms early in infancy, such as jaundice and liver enlargement. In an educational context, understanding the specific manifestations of pediatric GI disorders like biliary atresia is crucial for early identification and intervention. Nurses caring for infants must be able to recognize these signs to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes for the infant. This knowledge also highlights the importance of early screening and referral to specialists in cases of suspected biliary atresia.