Health Promotion and Maintenance
22. An infant is admitted for probable pyloric stenosis. A physician orders IV fluids and makes the infant NPO pending a surgical consult. The infant is crying vigorously and the parents express frustration that they cannot feed their baby even though the surgery is not yet definite. Which is the best action for the nurse to take now?
. Explain to the parents that feeding an infant with pyloric stenosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances from possible vomiting.
. Offer the parents a pacifier for the infant.
. Place a call to the surgeon to find out how long it will be before the consult.
. Feed the infant a small amount of Pedialyte since the surgical repair for this condition will most likely not occur until the following day.
Test-Taking Tip
Helping families understand the treatment plan is always important in child health and is best done in combination with an empathetic and problem-solving approach.
Content Area: Child Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Psychosocial Integrity/Therapeutic Communications
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is correct because the best action for the nurse is to help the parents understand that the NPO status is to avoid vomiting. This message should be delivered while expressing empathy for the situation. Answer 2 is incorrect because simply offering a pacifier does not address the parents' concern about feeding the infant. Answer 3 is incorrect because knowing how long it will be until the surgeon arrives does not address the parents' concern about feeding the infant, and may actually increase their frustration if the surgeon is not able to arrive until many hours later. Answer 4 is incorrect because this will likely result in more vomiting, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances. This action also directly violates a written order.