A client presents to the medical surgical unit.

Which of the following findings requires further action by the nurse? Select all that apply.

A) Completely undress the toddler:
Completely undressing a toddler can cause unnecessary distress and anxiety, especially if they are not prepared for the examination. It’s more appropriate to undress the toddler only as needed for the physical exam and allow them to remain clothed or partially clothed whenever possible to help them feel secure.

B) Allow the toddler to handle the equipment:
Allowing a toddler to handle the medical equipment is an excellent way to reduce fear and anxiety. This familiarizes the child with the instruments and allows them to feel more in control of the situation. It also helps in building trust with the nurse, making the examination less intimidating for the toddler.

C) Start the examination with routine immunizations:
Immunizations can be particularly stressful for toddlers, so starting the examination with vaccines is not the best approach. It’s better to begin with non-invasive procedures, such as listening to the heart or measuring the toddler’s height and weight, to build rapport before proceeding to any painful procedures.

D) Thoroughly explain each procedure to the toddler:
While it’s important to explain the examination to the toddler in simple, age-appropriate language, toddlers typically have a limited understanding of detailed explanations. Over-explaining may increase anxiety. Instead, it's better to keep things brief and comforting, using simple phrases, and focus on creating a positive experience.

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require blood transfusion as evidenced by the client’s low hemoglobin and low hematocrit.

Rationale:

(i)

B. Blood transfusion: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss. A blood transfusion may be necessary to restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and prevent further hemodynamic instability.

(ii)

C. Low hemoglobin: A hemoglobin level below normal indicates blood loss, likely from a bleeding peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for intervention to prevent further complications such as hypoxia or shock.

F. Low hematocrit: A low hematocrit confirms anemia and blood volume depletion. This finding, along with the client's symptoms and history of dark, tarry stools, further supports the need for a blood transfusion.

Incorrect:

(i)

A. Proton pump inhibitor therapy: While PPIs are essential for ulcer management, they do not immediately address acute blood loss

C. Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are needed to eradicate H. pylori, but they are not the primary intervention for anemia.

D. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if bleeding is severe and refractory to medical management.

E. Intravenous fluid resuscitation: IV fluids can help stabilize blood pressure but do not directly correct anemia.

(ii)

A. Elevated white blood cell count: The client’s WBC count is normal, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

B. Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori is the likely cause of the ulcer, this result does not directly indicate the need for a blood transfusion.

D. Epigastric tenderness: This is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but does not directly relate to the need for a blood transfusion.

E. Dark, tarry stools: While indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, the direct lab evidence of anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) is more critical in determining the need for transfusion.