A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has hyperthermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cover the adolescent with a thermal blanket.
Submerge the adolescent’s feet in ice water.
Initiate seizure precautions.
Administer oral acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications. Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.
Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.
Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.
Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
According to the flashcards from Quizlet, a nurse should monitor a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis for contractions, as they are a sign of preterm labor and possible uterine rupture. An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. It can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, leakage of fluid, and injury to the fetus or placenta.
Choice A is wrong because it is not a common complication of amniocentesis.
Epigastric pain is more likely to be associated with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Epigastric pain can indicate severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), which are life- threatening complications that require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because it is not a direct result of amniocentesis.
Hypertension can occur in pregnancy due to various factors, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal stroke.
Choice D is wrong because it is not a typical complication of amniocentesis.
Vomiting can occur in pregnancy due to various causes, such as morning sickness, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition if not treated properly.
Some normal ranges that are relevant for this question are:
- The normal gestational age for delivery is between 37 and 42 weeks.
A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, infection, or low blood sugar.
- The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
A fetal heart rate below 110 or above 160 can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.
- The normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) is between 8 and 18 cm.
An AFI below 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios and can indicate fetal growth restriction, kidney problems, or rupture of membranes.
An AFI above 24 cm is considered polyhydramnios and can indicate fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, or Rh incompatibility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Banana slices are soft, easy to chew, and can be picked up by the toddler’s fingers, which promotes independence in eating. According to the CDC, foods that toddlers should avoid include:
- Added sugars and no-calorie sweeteners, such as sugar-sweetened and diet drinks
- High-salt foods, such as canned foods, processed meats, frozen dinners, fast food, and junk food
- Unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt, or cheese
- Foods that may cause choking, such as hard or crunchy foods, sticky foods, stringy cheese, and foods that are not cut up into small pieces
Choice A is wrong because popcorn is a choking hazard for toddlers.
It is hard, crunchy, and can get stuck in the airway. The NHS advises not to give whole nuts and peanuts to children under 5 years old.
Choice B is wrong because grapes are also a choking hazard for toddlers.
They are round, slippery, and can block the airway. The NHS recommends cutting grapes into quarters before giving them to young children.
Choice D is wrong because hot dogs are high in salt and can cause choking if not cut up into small pieces. The Extension warns against giving hot dogs to young toddlers.
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