A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old adolescent who has cellulitis of the left lower call.

Exhibits

The nurse is assessing the adolescent 24 hr after the initial visit. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is an Indication of potential improvement or an indication of potential worsening condition. There must be at least 1 selection in every row. There does not need to be a selection in every column.

A. Mild hematuria: Glomerulonephritis commonly causes inflammation of the glomeruli, leading to leakage of red blood cells into the urine. This results in mild hematuria, which is a typical laboratory finding in this condition. The presence of blood in the urine reflects glomerular damage.

B. Absent urine protein: Proteinuria is usually present in glomerulonephritis due to increased glomerular permeability. The absence of urine protein would be unusual and inconsistent with this diagnosis, as protein leakage often occurs alongside hematuria.

C. Hyponatremia: Although hyponatremia can sometimes occur in glomerulonephritis due to fluid retention and dilution, it is not a primary or consistent laboratory finding. Sodium levels may remain normal or fluctuate depending on the severity of the condition and fluid status.

D. Decreased blood potassium: Potassium levels are typically not decreased in glomerulonephritis. In fact, some cases may show normal or elevated potassium levels due to impaired kidney function and reduced excretion, making decreased potassium an unlikely finding.

A. Indicate on a stuffed animal where the procedure will be performed: Demonstrating on a stuffed animal is more appropriate for younger children such as toddlers or preschoolers. School-age children benefit more from visual aids that relate to their own bodies.

B. Provide teaching immediately before the procedure: Teaching right before surgery can increase anxiety and does not allow the child adequate time to process information or ask questions.

C. Use simple diagrams to explain the procedure: Visual aids like simple diagrams help school-age children understand what will happen in a way that is appropriate for their cognitive level, reducing fear and promoting cooperation.

D. Discuss the benefits of the procedure: While discussing benefits is important, the primary focus before surgery should be clear, age-appropriate explanations of the procedure itself to prepare the child effectively.