A nurse on a pediatric unit is reviewing her client assignment following the shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?
An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula.
A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring.
An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions.
A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be particularly severe in infants. The fact that the infant is receiving oxygen indicates respiratory distress, which is a critical condition requiring immediate attention. Infants with pertussis are at high risk for complications such as pneumonia, apnea, and respiratory failure. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first to ensure their airway and breathing are adequately supported.
Choice B reason:
A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring: While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in children with diabetes mellitus to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia, this condition is generally more stable and manageable compared to the acute respiratory distress seen in the infant with pertussis. Blood glucose monitoring can be scheduled and managed, making it a lower priority in this context.
Choice C reason:
An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions: Sickle cell crisis can be extremely painful and requires careful management. However, if the adolescent is ready for discharge, it indicates that their condition has stabilized. Providing discharge instructions is important but can be deferred until more critical patients are assessed.
Choice D reason:
A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast: While this toddler requires assistance with feeding due to their casts, this situation does not pose an immediate threat to their health. Feeding can be managed after ensuring that more critical patients, such as the infant with pertussis, are stable.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and attempt to help the next client in need: In mass casualty incidents, triage is used to prioritize treatment based on the severity of injuries and the likelihood of survival. A black tag indicates that the victim is deceased or has injuries that are not compatible with life and that resources should be directed to those who have a better chance of survival. Since the client remains apneic even after repositioning the airway, it indicates that they are not breathing and have a very low chance of survival.
Choice B reason:
Reposition the client’s upper airway a second time before assessing his respirations: While ensuring the airway is open is crucial, if the client remains apneic after the initial repositioning, further attempts are unlikely to be successful in a mass casualty scenario where time and resources are limited2. The priority is to move on to other victims who may have a higher chance of survival.
Choice C reason:
Start CPR: In a mass casualty situation, CPR is typically not initiated for victims who are apneic and pulseless due to the need to allocate resources to those who have a higher likelihood of survival3. The focus is on providing immediate care to those who can benefit the most from it.
Choice D reason:
Place a red tag on the client’s upper body and obtain immediate help from other personnel: A red tag is used for victims who require immediate life-saving interventions and have a high chance of survival if treated promptly4. Since the client is apneic and remains so after airway repositioning, they do not meet the criteria for a red tag.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial for a client with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L, which indicates hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and an ECG can help detect these abnormalities early.
Choice B reason:
Suggesting that the client use a salt substitute is not appropriate in this situation. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can further increase potassium levels and exacerbate hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason:
Asking the client to add citrus juices and bananas to her diet is also inappropriate. These foods are high in potassium and can worsen hyperkalemia.
Choice D reason:
While obtaining a blood sample for a serum sodium level can be part of the overall assessment, it is not the immediate priority. The primary concern with hyperkalemia is the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias, which makes obtaining a 12-lead ECG the most urgent action.
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