A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old toddler in the pediatric unit who was admitted from the emergency department due to concerns about the child’s breathing.
Which of the following findings should the nurse on the pediatric unit identify as an indication that the treatment plan is effective? (Select all that apply)
Nasal flaring
Retractions
Oxygen saturation
Respiratory rate
Pulse
Breath sounds in bilateral bases
Heart rate
Correct Answer : C,D,F
Choice A rationale:
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress. The absence of nasal flaring would indicate improvement, but the presence of nasal flaring indicates ongoing respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Retractions are also a sign of respiratory distress. The reduction or absence of retractions would indicate improvement, but their presence indicates ongoing respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale:
Oxygen saturation is a key indicator of respiratory function. An improvement in oxygen saturation levels (from 88% on room air to 94% on 2 L/min O2) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in improving the child’s oxygenation.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory rate is an important vital sign to monitor in respiratory conditions. A decrease in respiratory rate (from 40 breaths/min to 32 breaths/min) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in reducing the child’s respiratory distress.
Choice E rationale:
Pulse rate can be influenced by various factors, including fever, anxiety, and respiratory distress. While a decrease in pulse rate may indicate improvement, it is not as specific an indicator of respiratory function as oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
Choice F rationale:
Breath sounds in bilateral bases are important to assess for improvement in lung function. The presence of mild bilateral expiratory wheezes and diminished breath sounds in the bases indicates some improvement compared to the initial assessment.
Choice G rationale:
Heart rate can be influenced by various factors, including fever, anxiety, and respiratory distress. While a decrease in heart rate may indicate improvement, it is not as specific an indicator of respiratory function as oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale
Slightly yellow sclera, or jaundice, is a common finding in children with sickle cell anemia. The breakdown of sickled red blood cells leads to increased bilirubin levels in the blood, which can cause jaundice. This yellowing is often most noticeable in the sclera of the eyes. Jaundice is a result of hemolysis, a hallmark of sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
Choice B rationale
Depigmented areas on the abdomen are not typically associated with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia primarily affects the blood and organs, leading to complications such as pain crises, anemia, and organ damage. Skin changes like depigmentation are not characteristic of this condition and may indicate other underlying issues.
Choice C rationale
Enlarged mandibular growth is not a common finding in sickle cell anemia. While children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and skeletal abnormalities due to chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperactivity, mandibular enlargement is not a typical feature.
Skeletal changes in sickle cell anemia are more likely to involve long bones and vertebrae.
Choice D rationale
Increased growth of long bones is not a characteristic finding in sickle cell anemia. In fact, children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and shorter stature due to chronic anemia and the body’s increased demand for red blood cell production. The condition can lead to skeletal abnormalities, but these typically involve bone infarctions and deformities rather than increased growth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale
Placing the child in a knee-chest position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, which reduces the right-to-left shunt and improves oxygenation during a cyanotic spell in children with Tetralogy of Fallot.
Choice B rationale
Having the child lie supine with the head turned to one side does not help in managing a cyanotic spell and may not improve oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Lying prone does not specifically address the cyanotic spell and may not be the most effective position for improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Placing the child in a semi-Fowler’s position in an infant seat does not specifically address the cyanotic spell and may not be the most effective position for improving oxygenation.
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