A nurse is caring for a 10-year-old male child.
Click to highlight the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
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Body system |
Findings |
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Neurological |
Generalized muscle weakness noted in bilateral lower extremities. Child reports pain in legs on palpation, rates pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Patellar deep tendon reflexes 1+ bilaterally. Child is awake and alert, responds appropriately to questions. |
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Gastrointestinal |
Abdomen slightly firm, bowel sounds hypoactive. Reports last bowel movement was 3 days ago. |
Generalized muscle weakness noted in bilateral lower extremities
Child reports pain in legs on palpation, rates pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
Abdomen slightly firm, bowel sounds hypoactive
Reports last bowel movement was 3 days ago
Child is awake and alert, responds appropriately to questions
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Findings that require immediate follow-up:
- Generalized muscle weakness noted in bilateral lower extremities: This could indicate a neurological or muscular issue, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is a concern after a viral infection or vaccination. This requires further investigation and close monitoring for any signs of progression, such as worsening weakness or respiratory involvement.
- Child reports pain in legs on palpation, rates pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10: This pain could be indicative of muscle cramping or weakness, which may be associated with GBS or another neurological condition. Pain in combination with muscle weakness should be followed up closely.
- Abdomen slightly firm, bowel sounds hypoactive, and reports last bowel movement was 3 days ago: This could suggest constipation or a gastrointestinal issue. However, the gastrointestinal symptoms may be secondary to the muscle weakness (if part of a systemic condition like GBS), and should be monitored, but it’s not as urgent as the neurological findings.
Findings that do not require immediate follow-up:
- Patellar deep tendon reflexes 1+ bilaterally: A 1+ reflex is on the lower end of normal and does not indicate a severe problem by itself.
- Child is awake and alert, responds appropriately to questions: This is a reassuring sign and does not require immediate follow-up.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Findings that require immediate follow-up:
- Generalized muscle weakness noted in bilateral lower extremities: This could indicate a neurological or muscular issue, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is a concern after a viral infection or vaccination. This requires further investigation and close monitoring for any signs of progression, such as worsening weakness or respiratory involvement.
- Child reports pain in legs on palpation, rates pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10: This pain could be indicative of muscle cramping or weakness, which may be associated with GBS or another neurological condition. Pain in combination with muscle weakness should be followed up closely.
- Abdomen slightly firm, bowel sounds hypoactive, and reports last bowel movement was 3 days ago: This could suggest constipation or a gastrointestinal issue. However, the gastrointestinal symptoms may be secondary to the muscle weakness (if part of a systemic condition like GBS), and should be monitored, but it’s not as urgent as the neurological findings.
Findings that do not require immediate follow-up:
- Patellar deep tendon reflexes 1+ bilaterally: A 1+ reflex is on the lower end of normal and does not indicate a severe problem by itself.
- Child is awake and alert, responds appropriately to questions: This is a reassuring sign and does not require immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","G","H","I","J"]
Explanation
A. Intake and output: The infant has not fed in 8 hours and has only had 1 wet diaper during this time, which is concerning for dehydration or inadequate intake. The decreased output requires immediate follow-up to prevent further dehydration and assess fluid needs.
B. Heart rate: The heart rate of 180/min is elevated for an infant, potentially indicating dehydration, fever, or respiratory distress. Tachycardia can also signify compensation for hypoxia.
C. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 60/min is elevated for an infant and indicates respiratory distress, compounded by retractions and diminished lung sounds in the right lobes.
D. Bowel sounds: Active bowel sounds in all four quadrants are a normal finding and do not indicate an acute issue.
E. Mucous membranes: While dry mucous membranes confirm dehydration, they are not the highest priority compared to respiratory distress or oxygen saturation.
F. Weight: Weight loss from 9 lb to 8 lb 8 oz is concerning for chronic dehydration or inadequate nutrition, but it does not require immediate action compared to acute respiratory and oxygenation issues.
G. Retractions: Moderate substernal and intercostal retractions are indicative of respiratory distress. This requires immediate follow-up to assess the severity of the distress and initiate appropriate interventions, such as supplemental oxygen or further evaluation.
H. Lung sounds: Diminished lung sounds in the right lobes and occasional coarse crackles are concerning for a respiratory infection or condition such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Immediate follow-up is required to assess the cause and severity of the respiratory findings.
I. Temperature: The infant has a fever, which is concerning, especially with poor feeding and lethargy. Fever in an infant can indicate a serious infection (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infection, or pneumonia) that requires immediate medical attention and further investigation.
J. Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation of 92% is low for an infant, indicating hypoxia, likely due to respiratory compromise. Immediate intervention (e.g., oxygen therapy) is necessary to prevent further deterioration.
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