A nurse at an urgent care clinic is caring for a child who hit her head on the playground at school 30 minutes ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Choice A rationale:
A 2 cm scalp laceration, while a concern, is not the nurse's priority in this scenario. The child's head injury could potentially be serious, but priority should be given to neurological assessments and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Nasal discharge negative for glucose is not indicative of a major issue in this context. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the nose after head trauma is a concern, it is not mentioned in this scenario, and this choice does not take precedence over other neurological signs.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Asymmetric pupils can be a sign of a serious neurological issue, such as a brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. It requires immediate attention and further evaluation to assess the child's neurological status and determine the extent of the injury.
Choice D rationale:
A negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in this context and does not require immediate priority attention. The Babinski reflex is typically present in infants and disappears as the child grows older. Its absence is expected in older children and adults.

Choice A rationale:
Implementing fluid restrictions is not recommended for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is characterized by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and fluid replacement is a crucial aspect of its management. Restricting fluids could worsen dehydration and hinder the correction of metabolic imbalances.
Choice B rationale:
(Correct Choice) Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is an important intervention for a school-age child with DKA. Vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, provide valuable information about the child's overall condition, fluid status, and response to treatment. More frequent monitoring might be necessary during the acute phase of DKA.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating continuous cardiac monitoring is not typically indicated for a school-age child with DKA. While DKA can have effects on the cardiovascular system, continuous cardiac monitoring is reserved for more critical situations where immediate changes in heart rhythm need to be detected.
Choice D rationale:
Administering subcutaneous insulin 30 minutes before meals is not appropriate for a child with DKA. In DKA management, insulin is typically administered intravenously to achieve more precise control over blood glucose levels. Subcutaneous insulin might not provide the rapid and consistent action needed to address the acute hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis in DKA.