A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a preschooler during a well-child visit. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?

Answer: B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours.

Rationale:

• A. Warm the skin prior to probe placement:While cold fingers can lead to inaccurate readings,warming the skin is not an essential step and is not routinely recommended in clinical practice.
• B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours:This iscorrect.Continuous pressure from the probe in one spot can cause skin breakdown and pressure injuries.Repositioning the probe every 2 hours helps to prevent this and ensure accurate readings.
• C. Tape the wire to the palm of the hand:This is incorrect.The pulse oximeter probe should be placed on a vascular site,such as a fingertip or earlobe.Taping the wire to the palm would not provide accurate readings.
• D. Apply the sensor to the index fingernail:This is incorrect.The fingernail does not have sufficient blood flow for accurate pulse oximetry readings.The probe should be placed on the fleshy pad of the fingertip.

Therefore, the most important action for the nurse to take is to reposition the probe every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown and ensure accurate readings.

Additional Points:

• The nurse should also choose a clean and dry site for probe placement.
• The probe should be snug but not too tight.
• The nurse should monitor the child for signs of skin breakdown,such as redness,swelling,or pain.
• If the child is restless or active,the nurse may need to secure the probe with additional tape or a special wrap.

Choice A rationale:
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It can be caused by various factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. However, tinnitus is not a commonly reported adverse effect of albuterol, which is a bronchodilator used to treat conditions like asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is not a commonly reported adverse effect of albuterol. Albuterol primarily acts on the smooth muscles of the airways to relax and dilate them, improving airflow. Constipation is more likely related to issues with the gastrointestinal system or certain medications, but it is not a direct consequence of albuterol use.
Choice C rationale:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not a known adverse effect of albuterol. Albuterol primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically impact blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with diabetes medications like insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic agents.
Choice D rationale:
Headache is a potential adverse effect of albuterol. While not everyone will experience a headache when taking albuterol, it can occur as a side effect in some individuals. Albuterol can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to effects such as increased heart rate and potential vasodilation, which could contribute to the development of a headache in some cases. It's important for the parents of a child taking albuterol to be aware of potential side effects and report them to the healthcare provider if they occur.