A nurse is assisting in the care of a group of children on a pediatric medical surgical unit. Which of the following children should the nurse collect data from first?
A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6° C (99.7° F)
An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding
A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numb in the affected extremity
The Correct Answer is D
A. A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F): A mild temperature in the context of periorbital cellulitis is expected and not an immediate emergency. Although periorbital cellulitis can be serious, this temperature alone does not demand immediate action over other critical symptoms.
B. An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: A headache with influenza is common and requires monitoring, but unless there are signs of severe neurological involvement, it is not the highest priority compared to potential circulatory compromise.
C. An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding: Mild vomiting or spitting up is common following a pyloromyotomy and is not unusual within the first 24 hours postoperatively. It generally does not require immediate intervention unless persistent or worsening.
D. A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numbness in the affected extremity: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, a sign of possible compartment syndrome. This is a surgical emergency that can result in permanent damage if not promptly assessed and treated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperglycemia: Albuterol is not prescribed to manage blood glucose levels. While it can sometimes cause a mild increase in blood glucose as a side effect, its primary therapeutic action is not directed at treating hyperglycemia or any diabetic conditions.
B. Swelling of the lips: Swelling of the lips could indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which is a medical emergency. Albuterol is not used to treat allergic swelling; epinephrine would be the medication of choice in managing severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
C. Nausea: Albuterol is not intended to treat nausea. Although gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, can sometimes occur as a side effect of albuterol, it is not administered for the purpose of controlling nausea in clients.
D. Shortness of breath: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist that works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. It is commonly prescribed to relieve acute episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, or bronchospasm, particularly in asthma or COPD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Frequent swallowing: Frequent swallowing after a tonsillectomy can be a sign of active bleeding from the surgical site. Even if bleeding is not visible, the child may be swallowing blood, which can lead to significant hemorrhage. This is the priority finding that requires immediate intervention.
B. Report of sore throat: A sore throat is an expected and normal finding after a tonsillectomy due to surgical trauma and healing. It does not represent an urgent or life-threatening complication.
C. Dark brown blood between the teeth: Dark brown blood suggests old, minimal bleeding and is not as concerning as active bright red bleeding. While it should be monitored, it is not the priority compared to signs of active hemorrhage.
D. Coffee-ground appearance of emesis: Coffee-ground emesis suggests the presence of digested blood, often from swallowed blood, and while concerning, it is a secondary finding. Frequent swallowing points more directly to active bleeding, which is more immediately life-threatening.
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