A nurse on a pediatric unit is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy and reports moderate throat pain
A child who had a cardiac catheterization using the femoral artery and has blanching of the toes
A child who has bacterial pneumonia and is due for their initial dose of IV antibiotics
A child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and needs assistance with application of prescribed splints
The Correct Answer is B
A. A child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy and reports moderate throat pain.
While postoperative pain management is important, moderate throat pain in a child who has undergone a tonsillectomy is expected. This client's condition is stable, and their pain can be managed with appropriate interventions. It is not the most urgent situation among the options provided.
B. A child who had a cardiac catheterization using the femoral artery and has blanching of the toes.
Blanching of the toes following a cardiac catheterization using the femoral artery can indicate compromised circulation, potentially leading to ischemia or necrosis. This requires immediate assessment to prevent further complications.
C. A child who has bacterial pneumonia and is due for their initial dose of IV antibiotics.
While timely administration of antibiotics is important in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, missing the initial dose by a short period of time is not likely to result in significant harm compared to a potential circulatory compromise in option B.
D. A child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and needs assistance with the application of prescribed splints.
While providing assistance with splint application is necessary for comfort and mobility, it is not as urgent as assessing potential circulatory compromise or initiating antibiotic therapy for pneumonia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Avoid immunizing your child with the meningococcal vaccine."
This statement is incorrect. Children with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk of infections, including meningococcal disease. Immunization with the meningococcal vaccine is recommended to help prevent this serious infection.
B. "Restrict the time your child spends playing outdoors."
While it's important for children with sickle cell anemia to avoid extreme temperatures and stay hydrated to prevent triggering a vaso-occlusive crisis, completely restricting outdoor playtime may not be necessary. It's essential to encourage appropriate hydration and dress warmly in cold weather but allowing outdoor play in moderation can be beneficial for physical activity and socialization.
C. "Increase your child's intake of oral fluids."
This is a correct statement. Adequate hydration is crucial for children with sickle cell anemia to help prevent vaso-occlusive crises and maintain overall health. Increasing oral fluid intake, particularly water, can help prevent dehydration and promote circulation of sickle-shaped red blood cells.
D. "Provide your child with a high-protein diet."
This is also a correct statement. A diet rich in high-quality protein can help support healthy growth and development in children with sickle cell anemia. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, including red blood cells. However, it's essential to ensure a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, not just protein.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids:
Administering IV fluids may be necessary to maintain hydration and support circulation, but it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus. In this acute situation, the priority is to address airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
B. Obtain a blood specimen for ABG analysis:
Obtaining arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis can provide valuable information about the child's respiratory status, including oxygenation and acid-base balance. However, it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus.
C. Administer a dose of an IV corticosteroid:
Administering systemic corticosteroids (such as IV hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone) is a crucial intervention in managing status asthmaticus to reduce airway inflammation and improve respiratory function. However, it is not the first action to take.
D. Apply humidified oxygen:
This is the correct action to take first. Applying humidified oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieve bronchospasm by providing supplemental oxygen to the child's lungs. Oxygen therapy is essential in managing respiratory distress associated with status asthmaticus and should be initiated promptly.
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