A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a 5-week-old infant.
Click to highlight the findings that require follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Nurses' Notes
2000:
Infant awake and alert in parent's arms in bedside chair. Trunk, arms, and hands warm to palpation. Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area. Weak bilateral femoral pulses. Lower extremities cool to palpation. Lungs clear bilaterally on auscultation. Mucous membranes pink and moist.
2200:
Infant asleep in crib. Heart rate regular, no murmur on auscultation.
Vital Signs
2000:
Blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg right arm: 60/40 mm Hg right leg Heart rate 168/min
Respiratory rate 34/min
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
Oxygen saturation 97% on room air, right wrist
Trunk, arms, and hands warm to palpation
Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area
Weak bilateral femoral pulses
Lower extremities cool to palpation
Mucous membranes pink and moist
Blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg right arm: 60/40 mm Hg right leg Heart rate 168/min
Respiratory rate 34/min
The Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Findings that require follow-up:
- Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area: Edema in these areas, especially periorbital edema, could indicate fluid retention, possibly from heart failure, kidney issues, or circulatory problems. This should be further evaluated to determine the underlying cause.
- Weak bilateral femoral pulses: Weak femoral pulses could suggest a circulatory problem or arterial insufficiency. This is concerning as it could indicate a vascular or cardiac issue that requires immediate investigation.
- Lower extremities cool to palpation: Cool lower extremities may indicate poor circulation, which can be caused by a cardiovascular issue, such as shock or impaired circulation, which needs immediate attention.
- Blood pressure discrepancy (right arm: 98/60 mm Hg, right leg: 60/40 mm Hg): A significant difference in blood pressure readings between the arms and legs (known as a differential blood pressure) can indicate conditions like coarctation of the aorta (a congenital heart defect), which requires immediate follow-up.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Heart rate 162/min: Elevated for a 4-month-old at rest; tachycardia can indicate dehydration, fever, or stress.
Spits up forcefully after feedings: Forceful vomiting can suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis.
Small, soft midline bulge: Likely an umbilical hernia; may need monitoring or intervention if persistent or large.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","G","H","I","J"]
Explanation
A. Intake and output: The infant has not fed in 8 hours and has only had 1 wet diaper during this time, which is concerning for dehydration or inadequate intake. The decreased output requires immediate follow-up to prevent further dehydration and assess fluid needs.
B. Heart rate: The heart rate of 180/min is elevated for an infant, potentially indicating dehydration, fever, or respiratory distress. Tachycardia can also signify compensation for hypoxia.
C. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 60/min is elevated for an infant and indicates respiratory distress, compounded by retractions and diminished lung sounds in the right lobes.
D. Bowel sounds: Active bowel sounds in all four quadrants are a normal finding and do not indicate an acute issue.
E. Mucous membranes: While dry mucous membranes confirm dehydration, they are not the highest priority compared to respiratory distress or oxygen saturation.
F. Weight: Weight loss from 9 lb to 8 lb 8 oz is concerning for chronic dehydration or inadequate nutrition, but it does not require immediate action compared to acute respiratory and oxygenation issues.
G. Retractions: Moderate substernal and intercostal retractions are indicative of respiratory distress. This requires immediate follow-up to assess the severity of the distress and initiate appropriate interventions, such as supplemental oxygen or further evaluation.
H. Lung sounds: Diminished lung sounds in the right lobes and occasional coarse crackles are concerning for a respiratory infection or condition such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Immediate follow-up is required to assess the cause and severity of the respiratory findings.
I. Temperature: The infant has a fever, which is concerning, especially with poor feeding and lethargy. Fever in an infant can indicate a serious infection (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infection, or pneumonia) that requires immediate medical attention and further investigation.
J. Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation of 92% is low for an infant, indicating hypoxia, likely due to respiratory compromise. Immediate intervention (e.g., oxygen therapy) is necessary to prevent further deterioration.
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