A nurse is evaluating the progress of a school-age child who takes methylphenidate. Which of the following findings indicates the effectiveness of the medication?

A. Establish a new routine for the child to follow while in the facility. - Preschoolers thrive on routines and familiarity, especially in unfamiliar environments like acute care facilities. Therefore, it's essential for the nurse to maintain the child's existing routine as much as possible to provide a sense of security and stability.
B. Encourage the child to play with toys such as a pounding board. - Encouraging play with age-appropriate toys helps promote normalcy, reduce anxiety, and facilitate coping for preschoolers during their hospital stay. Toys like a pounding board provide opportunities for physical activity and engagement, which can help distract and entertain the child.
C. Use medical terminology when discussing procedures with the child. - Preschoolers have limited understanding of complex medical terminology. Using simple, age-appropriate language helps the child better comprehend what is happening, reducing fear and anxiety. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to avoid medical jargon and use language the child can understand.
D. Perform the morning assessments when the parent is not in the room. - Preschoolers often feel more comfortable and secure when their parents are present, especially in unfamiliar environments like hospitals. Performing assessments in the presence of the parent helps maintain the child's sense of security and allows the parent to participate in the child's care and provide comfort and support.

Answer: B

Rationale:

A) Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube: The high-pressure alarm on a ventilator typically indicates increased resistance to airflow within the airway, which may be due to secretions, bronchospasm, or another obstruction. Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. Instead, the nurse should assess and manage potential causes of increased airway resistance before considering a change in airway management.

B) Suction the client's airway: Suctioning the client's airway is the priority action in response to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Increased airway pressure may be due to secretions or a mucus plug, leading to airway obstruction. Suctioning helps clear the airway and restore effective ventilation.

C) Tighten the tubing connections: While loose tubing connections can contribute to air leaks and decreased ventilation efficiency, they are not the primary cause of a high-pressure alarm. Tightening tubing connections may be necessary but is not the initial action in response to a high-pressure alarm.

D) Look for a leak in the tube's cuff: Checking for a leak in the endotracheal tube cuff is essential to ensure an adequate seal and prevent aspiration. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. The priority is to address potential airway obstruction by suctioning the client's airway to remove secretions or other obstructions.