A child has experienced several episodes of vomiting. After the nurse reviews the need to provide only clear liquids, the parent of the child reports making clear liquid popsicles out of flavored gelatin for the child. Which information should the nurse obtain about the popsicles?
A How many popsicles are available.
B If the popsicles are completely frozen.
C The color and flavor of gelatin used.
D Whether they contain pulp or fruit.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D: Whether they contain pulp or fruit.
Explanation:
When managing a child who has experienced several episodes of vomiting, the primary goal is to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and ensure that the clear liquids provided are easy on the stomach. Clear liquids are typically recommended because they are less likely to leave residue or require significant digestive processing, which can help reduce the likelihood of further vomiting.
Clear liquids generally include water, broth, clear juices (without pulp), and certain types of gelatin. However, it’s crucial to ensure that these clear liquids are indeed “clear” and not mixed with substances that could potentially irritate the gastrointestinal tract or complicate recovery.
The key point here is to determine whether the popsicles contain pulp or fruit. Pulp or fruit particles in a clear liquid can contribute to gastrointestinal irritation or provide a thicker substance that might be more challenging for a vomiting child to tolerate. The presence of pulp or fruit in the popsicle can also make the liquid less “clear” and thus not suitable for a clear liquid diet.
While other options might be relevant in different contexts, such as knowing the quantity of popsicles (A), whether they are completely frozen (B), or the color and flavor of the gelatin used (C), these factors do not directly impact whether the popsicles are appropriate for a clear liquid diet. The primary concern is whether the popsicles include pulp or fruit, as this is the factor most likely to affect the suitability of the popsicles in managing the child’s vomiting and adhering to a clear liquid diet.