A nurse is caring for four children in an emergency department.
Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A child who has mononucleosis and reports severe fatigue.
A child who has Wilms' tumor and an abdominal mass.
A child who has acute epiglottitis and is drooling.
A child who has a urinary tract infection and bright red blood in her urine.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A child who has mononucleosis and reports severe fatigue requires medical attention, but this condition does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to acute epiglottitis. Mononucleosis is a viral infection that can cause fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. While the child should be assessed, the priority is given to the child with acute epiglottitis due to the potential for airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
A child who has Wilms' tumor and an abdominal mass also needs urgent medical evaluation. Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. While it requires prompt attention, acute epiglottitis poses a more immediate threat to the airway and breathing.
Choice C rationale:
A child with acute epiglottitis and drooling requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause severe swelling of the epiglottis, leading to airway obstruction. The child may have difficulty breathing and may present with the classic drooling sign due to the inability to swallow saliva. Prompt medical intervention, including airway management and appropriate antibiotics, is essential in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A child with a urinary tract infection and bright red blood in her urine requires medical evaluation, but this condition is not as urgent as acute epiglottitis. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can have various causes, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the child should receive medical attention, it does not take precedence over the immediate threat posed by acute epiglottitis, which requires urgent intervention to maintain the airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hospice care includes bereavement support for the family for up to a year after the client's death.
- B is incorrect because the hospice nurse does not administer pain medication, but rather teaches the family how to manage the client's pain at home.
- C is incorrect because respite care is one of the services that hospice provides to allow the family to take a break from caregiving.
- D is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to prolong life, but rather to provide comfort and quality of life for the client and the family.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Activating the fire alarm system is the second action the nurse should take after rescuing the individuals in the area.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining and using a fire extinguisher should only be attempted by personnel trained to do so. Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly can escalate the fire or cause harm to individuals in the vicinity. The priority is to evacuate and let trained personnel handle the fire.
Choice C rationale:
Evacuating clients from the area is an essential and immediate step. Evacuation ensures the safety of everyone in the area, preventing potential harm due to smoke inhalation or fire spread.
Choice D rationale:
Closing the doors and windows on the unit can help contain the fire and prevent its spread. However, this action should be taken after activating the fire alarm system and initiating the evacuation process. Closing doors and windows can buy some time and limit the fire's oxygen supply, but it should not delay the evacuation procedure.
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