A 1-week-old neonate is admitted to the ED with a temperature of 39.7°C (103.5°F) axillary, HR 182, RR 76, BP 82/44, O2 saturation 96%. What are your immediate nursing priorities?
Recheck blood pressure and provide oxygen.
Administer aspirin and normal saline bolus.
Administer antibiotics and oxygen.
Obtain blood cultures, provide IV fluids and antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as rechecking blood pressure and providing oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of perfusion in neonates, and oxygen saturation is already within normal range. The nurse should focus on identifying and treating the source of infection, preventing hypovolemia and shock, and monitoring the vital signs and blood glucose levels.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering aspirin and normal saline bolus are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain. Normal saline bolus may be indicated for hypotension or shock, but only after obtaining blood cultures and starting antibiotics.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering antibiotics and oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Antibiotics are essential for treating the infection, but they should be given after obtaining blood cultures to avoid false-negative results. Oxygen may be needed if the neonate develops hypoxia or respiratory distress, but it is not the first intervention for a neonate with normal oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as obtaining blood cultures, providing IV fluids and antibiotics are the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood cultures are necessary to identify the causative organism and guide the antibiotic therapy. IV fluids are needed to maintain hydration, perfusion, and electrolyte balance. Antibiotics are needed to eradicate the infection and prevent septic shock and organ failure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a good choice. Delaying dental visits until the child's heart defect is fully repaired is not a recommended practice. Dental hygiene is important for preventing oral infections that can spread to the bloodstream and cause infective endocarditis. The child should have regular dental check-ups and cleanings, as well as good oral care at home.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice. Administration of antibiotics one hour prior to all dental procedures is a critical teaching point to emphasize for parents of a child with a complex congenital heart defect. Dental procedures can cause bleeding and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can infect the damaged or abnormal heart valves and cause infective endocarditis. Antibiotics can prevent or reduce the risk of this complication by killing the bacteria before they reach the heart.
Choice C reason: This is not a good choice. Administration of daily prophylactic antibiotics is not a necessary or effective measure for preventing infective endocarditis in a child with a complex congenital heart defect. Daily antibiotics can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, diarrhea, or yeast infections. They can also lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make the bacteria harder to treat if they do cause an infection.
Choice D reason: This is not a good choice. High dose IV antibiotics for 2-8 weeks is not a preventive strategy for infective endocarditis, but a treatment option for an established infection. IV antibiotics are given to eradicate the bacteria from the bloodstream and the heart valves and prevent further damage or complications. However, IV antibiotics are not always effective and may have serious s
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because an axillary temperature of 37.3° C is within the normal range for a 10-month-old child. It does not indicate any infection or complication after the surgery.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because mild abdominal pain is expected after the surgery and can be managed with analgesics. It does not require immediate notification to the MD.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because a BP of 100/54 is normal for a 10-month-old child. It does not indicate any shock or hemorrhage after the surgery.
Choice D reason: This is correct because currant jelly stools, which are stools mixed with blood and mucus, are a sign of intussusception, which is a telescoping of the bowel that causes obstruction and inflammation. Currant jelly stools after the surgery indicate that the intussusception has recurred and requires immediate intervention. The nurse should notify the MD and prepare the child for another surgery.
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