A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has leukemia.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider? Select the 6 findings that should be reported to the provider.
Skin assessment.
Oxygen saturation.
WBC count.
Retractions.
Upper respiratory infection.
Breath sounds.
Respiratory rate.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
The skin assessment reveals bruising and petechiae, which are signs of thrombocytopenia, a condition where the blood has a lower than normal number of platelets. This is significant in a child with leukemia as it may indicate a relapse or bone marrow suppression. The presence of petechiae and unexplained bruising should be reported to the provider as they can be indicative of bleeding disorders or a decrease in platelet count.
Choice B rationale
Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air is below the normal range (95-100%) for a child. This indicates hypoxemia, which can be a sign of respiratory distress or other underlying conditions. Given the child’s history of an upper respiratory infection and leukemia, this finding is critical and should be reported to the provider to ensure appropriate interventions are taken to improve oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
The WBC count is crucial in a child with leukemia. An abnormal WBC count can indicate an infection, relapse, or bone marrow suppression. Monitoring the WBC count helps in assessing the child’s immune status and the effectiveness of the leukemia treatment. Any significant changes in the WBC count should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice D rationale
Subcostal retractions are a sign of increased work of breathing and respiratory distress. This finding, along with the child’s statement of feeling like they can’t breathe, indicates that the child is struggling to maintain adequate ventilation. Reporting this to the provider is essential for timely intervention to prevent further respiratory compromise.
Choice E rationale
An ongoing upper respiratory infection for the last 2 months that has not resolved is concerning, especially in a child with a history of leukemia. This could indicate an underlying immunodeficiency or a more serious infection that requires further investigation and treatment. Reporting this to the provider is necessary to address the persistent infection and prevent complications.
Choice G rationale
The respiratory rate is an important vital sign that can indicate respiratory distress or other underlying conditions. An abnormal respiratory rate, whether too high or too low, can be a sign of respiratory or metabolic issues. Monitoring and reporting the respiratory rate to the provider helps in assessing the child’s respiratory status and determining the need for further intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The client has an increased risk for bleeding. Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that can cause myelosuppression, leading to a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia). However, the client’s platelet count is 170,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (150,000-450,000/mm³).
Therefore, the client does not have an increased risk for bleeding based on the current CBC results.
Choice B rationale
The client should receive an erythropoiesis stimulating agent. Cisplatin can cause anemia due to myelosuppression, which would be indicated by a low hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct). However, the client’s Hgb is 12.1 g/dL and Hct is 36.5%, both of which are within normal limits (Hgb: 12-16 g/dL for females, Hct: 36-48% for females). Therefore, there is no immediate need for an erythropoiesis stimulating agent based on the current CBC results.
Choice C rationale
The client should receive a diet with increased protein. While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for cancer patients to help maintain muscle mass and support recovery, the CBC results do not indicate a specific need for increased protein intake. The client’s albumin level is 4.5 g/dL, which is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 g/dL), indicating adequate protein status.
Choice D rationale
The client has an increased risk of infection. Cisplatin can cause neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low white blood cell (WBC) count, which increases the risk of infection. The client’s WBC count is 1,400/mm³, which is significantly below the normal range (4,000- 11,000/mm³). This indicates severe neutropenia, putting the client at a high risk for infections. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to consider infection prevention measures for this client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. Blood loss, such as the 800 mL lost during surgery, is a common cause of hypovolemic shock. The steadily decreasing blood pressure is consistent with this type of shock.
Choice B rationale
Septic shock results from a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to vasodilation and maldistribution of blood flow. There is no indication of infection in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Neurogenic shock results from a loss of sympathetic tone, leading to vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. It is often associated with spinal cord or severe head injury, which is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Obstructive shock occurs when there is an obstruction to blood flow within the cardiovascular system, such as a pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade. There is no evidence of such an obstruction in this scenario.
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