A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Collect 4 mL/kg of blood in a 24-hr period.
Apply lidocaine cream 30 min prior to collecting the specimen.
Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen.
Demonstrate the use of the equipment to the child.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Collect 4 mL/kg of blood in a 24-hr period: This volume exceeds safe limits for blood collection in small children. The guideline is not to exceed 3 mL/kg over 24 hours unless clinically necessary, as excessive draws can lead to anemia or hemodynamic instability.
B. Apply lidocaine cream 30 min prior to collecting the specimen: While lidocaine-prilocaine cream can be helpful, it typically requires at least 60 minutes to achieve adequate dermal analgesia. Applying it for only 30 minutes may not be sufficient to reduce pain effectively.
C. Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen: Parents are often a source of comfort and reassurance for preschoolers. Unless their presence is disruptive, involving them in the process can help calm the child and improve cooperation.
D. Demonstrate the use of the equipment to the child: Preschoolers benefit from age-appropriate explanations and demonstrations. Showing them the equipment reduces fear and anxiety by promoting familiarity and a sense of control in an unfamiliar situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increased hemoglobin: Elevated hemoglobin levels are generally associated with dehydration, high altitude, or chronic hypoxia, but they are not specific indicators of infection. Hemoglobin does not provide direct evidence of a bacterial process.
B. Increased absolute neutrophils: Neutrophils are the primary white blood cells involved in fighting bacterial infections. An elevated absolute neutrophil count suggests an acute bacterial infection or an inflammatory response caused by bacterial pathogens.
C. Decreased C-reactive protein: CRP is a marker of inflammation, often elevated during bacterial infections. A decreased CRP level makes bacterial infection less likely and is not consistent with the inflammatory response usually seen in such cases.
D. Decreased platelets: Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) can result from viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow disorders. While they may be altered in sepsis, they are not a reliable or primary marker of a typical bacterial infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Bradycardia: Ectopic pregnancy is more likely to cause tachycardia due to internal bleeding and hypovolemia from tubal rupture. Bradycardia is not a typical finding and would suggest a different or more advanced issue.
B. Hypertension: Hypotension, not hypertension, may occur in cases of significant bleeding from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Elevated blood pressure is not a hallmark sign of this condition.
C. Hydramnios: Hydramnios refers to excessive amniotic fluid and is associated with fetal anomalies or maternal diabetes. It is unrelated to ectopic pregnancy, where implantation occurs outside the uterine cavity.
D. Abdominal pain: Sharp or stabbing abdominal or pelvic pain is a classic symptom of ectopic pregnancy. It may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding and referred shoulder pain if internal bleeding irritates the diaphragm.
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