Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What is the priority finding for a 4-month-old infant with heart failure?

1. Episodes of vomiting

2. Formula consumption

3. Weight

4. Temperature

The correct answer is: Episodes of vomiting

In the context of a 4-month-old infant with heart failure, monitoring for episodes of vomiting is critical and represents a priority finding. Infants with heart failure may experience feeding difficulties and gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting due to fluid overload or inadequate perfusion leading to gastrointestinal ischemia. Vomiting can exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are particularly concerning in infants given their small fluid reserves and rapid development needs. Therefore, identifying and addressing vomiting promptly can prevent further complications and is essential in managing a pediatric patient with heart failure. While monitoring formula consumption, weight, and temperature is also important in managing an infant's overall health, these findings do not indicate an immediate systemic issue like vomiting does. Weight can be a useful indicator of nutritional status and fluid retention, temperature can help assess for infection, and formula consumption can indicate feeding tolerance, but episodes of vomiting directly reflect the infant's ability to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and highlight the critical need for urgent assessment and potential intervention.