Author Question: A child with acute renal failure wants to drink a bottle of Gatorade because he is thirsty. The ... (Read 96 times)

jon_i · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

A child with acute renal failure wants to drink a bottle of Gatorade because he is thirsty. The nurse must explain that:

1. Gatorade has electrolytes in it, so it is a healthy drink for you.
2. Water would be a better alternative because it does not contain electrolytes.
3. The balance of how much fluid the child can have per day has to be regulated, and a whole bottle of Gatorade would be too much.
4. Milk would be a better choice because of the calcium concentration.

Question 2

The medical chart states that the parents are requesting withdrawal of care for a child with terminal leukemia. The nurse understands this request to mean:

1. To keep support measures which sustain life for the child.
2. To keep providing comfort care for the child.
3. To stop life-saving measures and allow the child to die naturally.
4. To stop providing comfort measures for the child.

blfontai · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3
Feedback
1. The entire bottle of Gatorade could put the child into fluid overload. The child must have a strict I/O.
2. Water can cause the same issue of fluid overload and would need to be monitored closely. This does not address the child's wants and would not be an appropriate response.
3. Explaining about needing a fluid balance and offering a particular amount may satisfy the child's wants and still maintain the I/O balance.
4. Milk is a nutritionally better option, but does not address the wants of the child. Excessive milk can cause issues with the I/O balance as well.

Answer to Question 2

3
Feedback
1. Support measures are not wanted by the parents.
2. Comfort care is important, but this addresses the life-sustaining measures.
3. Withdrawal of care relates to stopping heroic measures to sustain life.
4. Comfort is essential in the last days of life for the family and the patient.