A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who is postoperative following tetralogy of Fallot correction. Which of the following manifestations indicates the child is possibly experiencing decreased cardiac output?
Extremities warm to touch.
Capillary refill 2 seconds.
Blood pressure 112/66 mm Hg.
Diminished pulses.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Extremities warm to the touch. This manifestation is not indicative of decreased cardiac output. Warm extremities suggest adequate peripheral perfusion and circulation. In a child with decreased cardiac output, the body might attempt to shunt blood away from the extremities to prioritize vital organs, leading to cooler extremities.
Choice B rationale:
Capillary refill 2 seconds. A capillary refill time of 2 seconds is within the normal range for a preschool-aged child. This quick capillary refill suggests adequate circulation and is not a sign of decreased cardiac output. Prolonged capillary refill time might be indicative of poor peripheral perfusion.
Choice C rationale:
Blood pressure 112/66 mm Hg. While a blood pressure of 112/66 mm Hg might be within the normal range for a preschooler, it is not the most reliable indicator of decreased cardiac output. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and a seemingly normal blood pressure does not rule out decreased cardiac output if other manifestations are present.
Choice D rationale:
Diminished pulses. This is the correct choice. Diminished or weak pulses are indicative of decreased cardiac output. Inadequate blood volume being pumped by the heart can lead to reduced peripheral perfusion, resulting in diminished pulses. This sign is important in assessing the child's cardiovascular status postoperatively, especially after a corrective procedure for tetralogy of Fallot.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I should start by feeding my baby 3 tablespoons of solid food." At 6 months of age, infants are typically just beginning to transition to solid foods. Starting with 3 tablespoons of solid food might be overwhelming and inappropriate for the infant's digestive system. Introducing small amounts and gradually increasing the volume allows the infant to adapt to the new textures and flavors.
Choice B rationale:
"I should limit my baby to 8 ounces of juice per day." Juice consumption should be limited for infants. Juice offers little nutritional value and can contribute to excessive calorie intake, leading to potential weight gain and tooth decay. At 6 months, the primary source of nutrition should still be breast milk or formula, and the introduction of solid foods is meant to complement, not replace these sources.
Choice C rationale:
"I should introduce a new solid food to my baby every five to seven days." This statement indicates an understanding of the recommended approach for introducing solid foods to an infant. Introducing a new food every five to seven days allows the parent to monitor for any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities. This gradual approach helps identify specific foods that the infant may not tolerate well.
Choice D rationale:
"I should sweeten my baby's food with a teaspoon of honey." This statement is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can multiply and produce toxins in an infant's immature digestive system. It's important to avoid honey until the child is older to ensure their safety.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement reflects an accurate understanding of varicella (chickenpox) transmission and infection control. The lesions of varicella contain the virus and are contagious until they have crusted over. Allowing the child to go to the playroom only after the lesions have crusted helps prevent the spread of the virus to other individuals.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect because waiting for the crusts to fall off the lesions before bathing the child is not necessary. In fact, keeping the lesions clean and maintaining proper hygiene through gentle bathing can help prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect because bedrest for 3 days is not necessary for a child with varicella. While it's important to minimize contact with others during the contagious phase, physical activity can be gradually resumed as long as the lesions have crusted to prevent transmission.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Once a person has had chickenpox (varicella), they develop immunity to the virus and do not need to wear a mask when visiting someone with active varicella. This is because they are already immune to the virus due to their prior infection.
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