A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old toddler who has been hospitalized for 10 days.
After the toddler’s mother leaves the room, the nurse observes the toddler sitting quietly in the corner of the crib, sucking her thumb.
When the nurse approaches the crib, the toddler turns away from the nurse.
The nurse should understand that these behaviors indicate which of the following developmental reactions?

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 89% on room air to higher levels) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in improving the child’s oxygenation.

Choice D rationale:

Breath sounds in bilateral bases are important to assess for improvement in lung function. The presence of clear breath sounds or reduced wheezing indicates improvement in the child’s respiratory status.

Choice E rationale:

Respiratory rate is an important vital sign to monitor in respiratory conditions. A decrease in respiratory rate (from 42 breaths/min to a lower rate) indicates that the treatment plan is effective in reducing the child’s respiratory distress.

Choice F 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.

A. Inspection: This is the first step as it allows the nurse to gather information through observation without causing discomfort to the child. It involves looking at the child’s abdomen for any visible abnormalities like distension, asymmetry, masses, or discoloration.
B. Auscultation: This step follows inspection to assess bowel sounds before any manipulation of the abdomen, which could alter the sounds. The nurse listens for the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds.
C. Superficial palpation: This step is performed to assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and surface characteristics. It is done gently to avoid causing pain or discomfort.
D. Deep palpation: This is the final step to assess for any masses, organomegaly, or deep tenderness. It is performed more firmly but should be done carefully to avoid causing pain.