A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes.
Temperature 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate 124/min.
Decreased appetite and irritability.
Pale and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL.
The Correct Answer is A
These are signs of severe dehydration in an infant, which can be life-threatening and should be reported to the provider immediately. The infant may need intravenous fluids and electrolytes to restore hydration and prevent complications.
Choice B is wrong because a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) and a pulse rate of 124/min are not abnormal for an infant and do not indicate severe dehydration. These are common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
Choice C is wrong because decreased appetite and irritability are also common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, but they do not indicate severe dehydration. The nurse should encourage oral rehydration with fluids such as breast milk, formula, or oral electrolyte solution.
Choice D is wrong because pale skin and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL are not signs of severe dehydration in an infant.
A fluid deficit of 30 mL is less than 1 oz and is not significant for an infant who weighs about 10 kg (22 lbs). A fluid deficit of more than 10% of body weight would indicate severe dehydration.
Normal ranges for vital signs in infants are as follows:
• Temperature: 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F)
• Pulse rate: 100 to 160/min
• Respiratory rate: 30 to 60/min
• Blood pressure: 65/41 to 100/50 mm Hg
Normal ranges for fluid intake and output in infants are as follows:
• Fluid intake: 100 to 150 mL/kg/day
• Fluid output: 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line.
This is a sign of wound dehiscence, which is a serious complication that occurs when the edges of a surgical incision separate and the underlying tissues are exposed.
Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.
Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.
Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.
A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.
Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.
Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.
The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
- Look for any bleeding.
If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
- Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
- You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
- After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
- Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks. Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.
- Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
- No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Previous violent behavior. According to the web search results, this is the best predictor of future violence among the given risk factors.
Other risk factors include past history of aggression, poor impulse control, and violence. Comorbidity that leads to acts of violence (psychotic delusions, command hallucinations, violent angry reactions with cognitive disorders).
Choice A is wrong because a history of being in prison is not a direct cause of violence, but rather a possible consequence of it.
Choice C is wrong because male gender is not a sufficient factor to predict violence, as there are many other variables involved.
Choice D is wrong because experiencing delusions is not necessarily associated with violence unless they are of a paranoid or persecutory nature.
Normal ranges for violence risk assessment are not standardized, but some tools that can be used include the Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 (HCR-20), the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG), and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). These tools use different scales and criteria to evaluate the likelihood of violent behavior in individuals.
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