A nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the infant is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the infant's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Condition Most Likely Experiencing: Bronchiolitis
The infant's symptoms—fever, cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and difficulty feeding—are characteristic of bronchiolitis, commonly caused by RSV in infants.
Actions to Take:
- Administer Oxygen via nasal cannula: The infant's low oxygen saturation (88% on room air) and respiratory distress (nasal flaring, retractions) indicate the need for supplemental oxygen to ensure adequate oxygenation and reduce respiratory distress.
- Suction nares with a bulb aspirator: Suctioning the infant’s nasal passages helps clear mucus and improve breathing. Infants with RSV often have significant nasal congestion that can impair feeding and breathing, so clearing the airways is crucial for respiratory management.
Parameters to Monitor:
- Oxygen saturation via continuous pulse oximetry: Monitoring oxygen saturation provides critical information on the infant’s respiratory status and helps assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy.
- Respiratory effort and breath sounds: The infant is showing signs of increased respiratory effort (e.g., nasal flaring, intercostal retractions) and abnormal breath sounds (e.g., wheezes). Monitoring these parameters helps assess the severity of respiratory distress and guides further interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Heart rate 162/min: Elevated for a 4-month-old at rest; tachycardia can indicate dehydration, fever, or stress.
Spits up forcefully after feedings: Forceful vomiting can suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis.
Small, soft midline bulge: Likely an umbilical hernia; may need monitoring or intervention if persistent or large.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer IV antibiotics: While urgent, antibiotics can be administered after precautions are in place to ensure safety.
B. Monitor vital signs: Important but not the first action. Vital signs can be monitored after precautions are initiated.
C. Encourage oral fluids: Incorrect because IV fluids are usually required due to the severity of the illness and risk of shock.
D. Initiate droplet precautions. Protecting others from transmission is the highest priority in managing bacterial meningitis, a highly contagious condition.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.