HESI RN Med Surg
HESI RN Med Surg ( 40 Questions)
An infant born 2 days ago has not passed a meconium stool and begins to vomit bilious secretions. Which action should the nurse take first?
Measuring abdominal circumference is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because abdominal circumference is not a reliable indicator of bowel obstruction or perforation, which are possible complications of meconium ileus. Measuring abdominal circumference may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.
Gathering supplies for an intravenous (IV) infusion is the first action that the nurse should take. This is because the infant is at risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and shock due to vomiting and bowel obstruction. The nurse should prepare to administer IV fluids, antibiotics, and blood products as ordered by the healthcare provider.
Monitoring strict urinary output is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because urinary output is not the most sensitive indicator of fluid status in infants, especially those with renal insufficiency or oliguria. Monitoring urinary output may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.
Preparing for anorectal manometry is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures the pressure and function of the anal and rectal muscles. It is not indicated for infants with suspected meconium ileus, which is a mechanical obstruction of the bowel by thick and sticky meconium. Preparing for anorectal manometry may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.
Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal circumference is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because abdominal circumference is not a reliable indicator of bowel obstruction or perforation, which are possible complications of meconium ileus. Measuring abdominal circumference may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.
Choice B reason: Gathering supplies for an intravenous (IV) infusion is the first action that the nurse should take. This is because the infant is at risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and shock due to vomiting and bowel obstruction. The nurse should prepare to administer IV fluids, antibiotics, and blood products as ordered by the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Monitoring strict urinary output is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because urinary output is not the most sensitive indicator of fluid status in infants, especially those with renal insufficiency or oliguria. Monitoring urinary output may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.
Choice D reason: Preparing for anorectal manometry is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is because anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures the pressure and function of the anal and rectal muscles. It is not indicated for infants with suspected meconium ileus, which is a mechanical obstruction of the bowel by thick and sticky meconium. Preparing for anorectal manometry may also delay more urgent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation and decompression.