A 2-year-old is brought to the emergency department (ED) with a history of several days of rhinitis and now exhibits a productive barking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional finding should alert the nurse that the child is experiencing respiratory distress?
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute.
Flaring of the nares.
Diaphragmatic respirations.
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is B
A. A respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute can be normal for a 2-year-old, so it is not necessarily indicative of distress by itself.
B. Flaring of the nares is a sign of increased work of breathing and is an indication of respiratory distress, as the child is using accessory muscles to breathe.
C. Diaphragmatic respirations are typical for young children and not indicative of distress unless other signs are present.
D. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds do not necessarily indicate respiratory distress and could be normal depending on the context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This task typically requires a more advanced level of clinical judgment and assessment skills, which are usually beyond the scope of practice for a PN and should be conducted by a Registered Nurse (RN).
B. Removing discontinued peripheral IV catheters is a task that falls within the scope of practice for a Practical Nurse (PN). It does not require the advanced assessment skills or judgment that some other tasks might require.
C. This involves critical thinking and clinical decision-making that are responsibilities typically reserved for an RN, as it requires integrating new information and adjusting care plans based on ongoing assessments.
D. While PNs can perform certain types of wound care, initiating sterile wound care for surgical clients often requires the advanced knowledge and assessment skills of an RN, particularly if the wound care involves evaluating surgical site integrity and potential complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increasing fluid intake helps thin pulmonary secretions, making them easier to expectorate and is most directly related to clearing the airway.
B. Providing frequent rest periods is important but does not directly clear the airway.
C. Administering O2 addresses hypoxia but does not clear secretions.
D. Semi-Fowler's position helps with breathing but does not specifically address thick secretions.
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