A nurse is preparing to check the capillary blood glucose level of a school-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Allow the skin antiseptic to dry prior to puncturing the child's finger.
Place a cool washcloth on the child's finger for 5 min prior to the procedure.
Test the first drop of blood obtained after puncturing the child's finger.
Puncture the center of the pad of the child's index finger.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The correct answer is choice A. This action is crucial to ensure accurate capillary blood glucose testing. Allowing the skin antiseptic to dry before puncturing the child's finger helps prevent contamination of the blood sample, which can lead to inaccurate results. Wet antiseptic can dilute the blood sample and affect the glucose reading.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because placing a cool washcloth on the child's finger is not standard practice before capillary blood glucose testing. While warmth can help increase blood flow and make the puncture process more comfortable, using a cool washcloth is not recommended, as it may constrict blood vessels and make it harder to obtain a sufficient blood sample.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect because testing the first drop of blood obtained after puncturing the child's finger is not recommended. The first drop of blood can be diluted with interstitial fluid and may not provide an accurate glucose reading. It's important to wipe away the first drop and use the subsequent drop of blood for testing.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect because puncturing the center of the pad of the child's index finger is not the recommended site for capillary blood glucose testing. The sides of the fingertip contain an adequate blood supply and are less painful for the child. Puncturing the center of the fingertip can be more painful and may not yield a sufficient blood sample.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Positioning the child sitting with their buttocks at the edge of the table is not appropriate for collecting a bone marrow specimen from a preschooler. This position does not provide adequate access to the bone marrow aspiration site and may lead to discomfort for the child.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the child in a prone position (lying face down) is suitable for collecting a bone marrow specimen from a preschooler. This position exposes the posterior iliac crest, which is a common site for bone marrow aspiration. It allows for easier access to the bone marrow and reduces the risk of injury.
Choice C rationale:
Positioning the child side-lying to expose the vertebrae is not the recommended position for bone marrow aspiration. The iliac crest, not the vertebrae, is the usual site for this procedure in children. Placing the child in a side-lying position would make it difficult to access the appropriate site.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the child supine with legs flexed outward into a frog-like position is suitable for collecting a bone marrow specimen. This position provides access to the iliac crest while allowing for better immobilization of the child. It also ensures the child's safety and comfort during the procedure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would not support the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the presence of bacteria triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in WBCs in the CSF (pleocytosis).
Choice B rationale:
Elevated glucose levels in CSF would actually be more consistent with viral rather than bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, glucose levels are typically decreased due to the high metabolic demands of bacteria on the glucose present in the CSF.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is indicative of inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Bacterial meningitis causes an intense inflammatory response, leading to an increase in total protein in the CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased pressure in the CSF would not be a characteristic finding in bacterial meningitis. In fact, bacterial meningitis often leads to an increase in CSF pressure due to the inflammation and accumulation of inflammatory cells and proteins.
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