A 3-month-old with myelomeningocele and atonic bladder is catheterized every 4 hours to prevent urinary retention. The home health nurse notes that the child has developed episodes of sneezing, urticaria, watery eyes, and a rash in the diaper area. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Apply zinc oxide to perineum with each diaper change.
Auscultate the lungs for respiratory pneumonia.
Change to latex-free gloves when handling infant.
Draw blood to analyze for streptococcal infection.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Apply zinc oxide to perineum with each diaper change: Zinc oxide can help treat diaper rash and protect skin integrity, but it does not address the systemic allergic reaction symptoms such as sneezing, urticaria, or watery eyes.
B. Auscultate the lungs for respiratory pneumonia: Lung assessment is important in children with chronic conditions, but the symptoms described (sneezing, urticaria, watery eyes, and rash) indicate an allergic reaction rather than a respiratory infection.
C. Change to latex-free gloves when handling infant: The symptoms are indicative of a latex allergy, which is common in children with myelomeningocele who have frequent catheterizations and medical device exposure. Switching to latex-free gloves is the most important intervention to prevent further allergic reactions and potential anaphylaxis.
D. Draw blood to analyze for streptococcal infection: Streptococcal infections typically present with fever, sore throat, or systemic illness. The child’s symptoms are consistent with an allergic reaction rather than infection, so immediate lab testing for strep is not the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Situate in knee-chest position: Placing the infant in a knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance, which helps reduce right-to-left shunting and improves pulmonary blood flow during a hypercyanotic (“Tet”) spell to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxic injury.
B. Perform chest physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy is used to mobilize secretions in respiratory conditions but does not address the acute pathophysiology of a Tet spell. It would not rapidly improve oxygenation in this emergency.
C. Reduce flow rate of intravenous fluid replacement: Reducing IV fluids may decrease venous return but does not relieve the hypoxic crisis caused by right-to-left shunting. This intervention is not indicated during a hypercyanotic episode.
D. Administer prescribed morphine subcutaneously: Morphine can be used to calm the infant and reduce pulmonary resistance in some Tet spell protocols, but positioning the infant in a knee-chest posture is the first, immediate action to improve oxygenation before pharmacologic measures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Wear a supportive bra at all times: Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra helps relieve pressure on engorged breasts and provides comfort while maintaining proper breast support. It can reduce swelling, prevent tissue damage, and make breastfeeding or pumping more manageable during periods of overfull breasts.
B. Take two acetaminophen to relieve the discomfort: Acetaminophen may help reduce pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of engorgement or prevent worsening discomfort. Medication alone is not sufficient as a primary strategy for managing engorged breasts.
C. Use breast cream to help prevent discomfort: Breast creams are designed to prevent nipple soreness or cracking but do not alleviate discomfort from breast engorgement. This intervention would not directly reduce swelling or pressure in overfull breasts.
D. Put a heating pad on the breasts while they are engorged: Applying heat to engorged breasts can worsen swelling by increasing blood flow and may intensify discomfort. Instead, cold compresses before feeding or gentle massage toward the nipple during feeding is more effective in relieving engorgement.
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