A toddler's mother calls the nurse because she thinks her son has swallowed a button type of battery.He has no signs of respiratory distress.The nurse's response should be based on which premise?
A) An emergency laparotomy is very likely.
B) The location needs to be confirmed by radiographic examination.
C) Surgery will be necessary if the battery has not passed in the stool in 48 hours.
D) Careful observation is essential because an ingested battery cannot be accurately detected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Button batteries can cause severe damage if lodged in the esophagus.If both poles of the battery come in contact with the wall of the esophagus,acid burns,necrosis,and perforation can occur.If the battery is in the stomach,it will most likely be passed without incident.Surgery is not indicated.The battery is metallic and is readily seen on radiologic examination.

A Toddler's Mother Calls the Nurse Because She Thinks Her