A nurse is assessing a child who has bacterial pneumonia.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

This is because coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition where the aorta is narrow, usually in the area where the ductus arteriosus inserts. This causes a decrease in blood flow to the lower body, resulting in weak or absent pulses in the femoral arteries.

The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:

Choice A is not a typical sign of coarctation of the aorta.

Nosebleeds can be caused by many factors, such as dry air, allergies, trauma, or bleeding disorders.

Choice B is also not a common finding in coarctation of the aorta. In fact, patients with this condition may have high blood pressure in the upper extremities due to the increased resistance of the narrowed aorta.

Choice D is not directly related to coarctation of the aorta.

Increased intracranial pressure can be caused by various conditions that affect the brain, such as head injury, stroke, infection, or tumor.

Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse vary depending on age, sex, and health status. However, some general guidelines are:

• Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg for adults; less than 95/65 mmHg for infants.
• Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults; 100 to 160 beats per minute for infants.

This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.

Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.

Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.

Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.

In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.