A nurse is planning care for a group of clients following change-of-shift report. When using clinical decision making, which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A school-age child who is 2 days postoperative following an appendectomy and has a nasogastric tube
A preschooler awaiting discharge instructions prior to leaving the hospital
A toddler who has a respiratory rate of 54/min
A school-age child who reports nausea following chemotherapy
The Correct Answer is C
A) A school-age child who is 2 days postoperative following an appendectomy and has a nasogastric tube: While this child requires regular monitoring and care, they are in a stable postoperative phase and do not show signs of acute distress that necessitate immediate attention over other clients.
B) A preschooler awaiting discharge instructions prior to leaving the hospital: This client is stable enough to be considered for discharge. While discharge instructions are important, they do not take priority over a client with potential respiratory distress.
C) A toddler who has a respiratory rate of 54/min: This client exhibits a significantly elevated respiratory rate, which can indicate respiratory distress or a serious underlying condition. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to ensure the toddler's airway and breathing are managed appropriately.
D) A school-age child who reports nausea following chemotherapy: While nausea following chemotherapy is uncomfortable and needs management, it is a known side effect and typically not life-threatening. This client's condition is less urgent compared to a toddler showing signs of potential respiratory distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check skin temperature distal to the injury with the dorsum of the hand.: Assessing skin temperature distal to the injury is an important part of evaluating neurovascular status. It helps to identify any changes in circulation or potential complications like ischemia. The dorsum of the hand is commonly used as it provides a good comparison to the temperature of the affected extremity.
B. Press the heel of the foot to determine capillary refill.: While capillary refill is an important assessment, it is usually measured by pressing the nail beds or pads of the fingers and toes, not by pressing the heel. This method does not provide a reliable indication of neurovascular status.
C. Monitor sensation by palpating the pad of the great toe with a blunt needle.: While assessing sensation is important, it is typically done using a light touch or pinprick, rather than palpating with a blunt needle. The use of a needle is not standard practice for this type of assessment.
D. Compare the color of the skin proximal to the injury with the other extremity.: Comparing the skin color distal to the injury with the unaffected extremity is more relevant for evaluating neurovascular status. Proximal comparison is less effective in assessing circulation and potential issues related to the injury.
Correct Answer is "{\"xRanges\":[232.4270782470703,272.4270782470703],\"yRanges\":[382.1666450500488,422.1666450500488]}"
Explanation
To determine if the child is experiencing subcostal retractions, check the area beneath the ribcage.
D - Subcostal Area:
Subcostal retractions occur below the ribs and are a sign of respiratory distress, indicating increased effort to breathe.
Observing this area can reveal inward movement during inspiration, suggesting difficulty in breathing, often seen in asthma exacerbations.
Rationale
A - Incorrect:
This area is near the clavicle and not related to subcostal retractions.
B - Incorrect:
This is the intercostal area, which can also show retractions but is not subcostal.
C - Incorrect:
This area is too central and does not correspond with subcostal retractions.
Focusing on D allows the nurse to assess the presence of subcostal retractions effectively.
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