A parent rushes their 3-year-old child to the emergency department with an asthma exacerbation.
Which additional finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
Diaphragmatic respirations.
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
Flaring of the nares.
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diaphragmatic respirations are a normal breathing pattern and do not indicate respiratory distress. In fact, diaphragmatic breathing can be beneficial for patients with respiratory conditions as it helps to maximize lung expansion and improve oxygenation. Therefore, this finding is not indicative of acute respiratory distress in a child with asthma.
Choice B rationale
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are usually heard over the large airways, such as the trachea and the main bronchi, and are not typically associated with acute respiratory distress. Wheezing or diminished breath sounds would be more indicative of airway obstruction and respiratory distress in a child with asthma.
Choice C rationale
Flaring of the nares is a sign of increased respiratory effort and is commonly seen in children with acute respiratory distress. This indicates that the child is struggling to breathe and is using additional muscles to help with respiration, which is a concerning sign that requires immediate attention.
Choice D rationale
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute is elevated for a 3-year-old child but is not the most specific sign of acute respiratory distress. While tachypnea can indicate respiratory distress, other signs, such as nasal flaring, retractions, and cyanosis, are more specific indicators of the severity of the child's condition. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While encouraging quiet activities like watching television can provide some distraction and temporary relief, it does not address the underlying need for consistent pain management in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Distraction techniques should be used as an adjunct to proper pain medication rather than a replacement for it. This condition can cause chronic pain, which may negatively impact the child's quality of life if not managed appropriately.
Choice B rationale
Resting when experiencing pain is a common recommendation, but for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it's essential to balance rest with physical activity to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. Only encouraging rest can lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, which can exacerbate the condition in the long term. Regular pain management can help the child stay more active.
Choice C rationale
Hot baths can help to some extent by relaxing muscles and reducing stiffness, but they are not sufficient as a sole method for managing pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The condition often requires consistent medication to control inflammation and pain. Non-pharmacological methods like hot baths should be used in conjunction with prescribed medication rather than as an alternative.
Choice D rationale
Giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain effectively by maintaining a steady level of medication in the body, preventing breakthrough pain. Consistent pain management allows the child to participate in daily activities and physical therapy, which is essential for maintaining joint function and overall quality of life.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Oxytocin is not involved in returning the uterus to its prepregnancy size. Instead, it helps in uterine contractions, which facilitate the expulsion of the placenta and reduce postpartum bleeding. The process of uterine involution, returning to prepregnancy size, is primarily managed by the natural decline of pregnancy hormones and autolysis of uterine tissue.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, which is its primary function during labor and after delivery. These contractions help deliver the baby during labor and facilitate the expulsion of the placenta. After delivery, oxytocin continues to induce contractions to minimize postpartum hemorrhage and aid uterine involution.
Choice C rationale
Oxytocin can activate the let-down reflex for breastfeeding, but it is not the primary expected outcome when administered IV after delivery. The main goal post-delivery is to manage uterine contractions to prevent hemorrhage and assist in expelling the placenta.
Choice D rationale
While oxytocin assists in expelling the placenta by stimulating contractions, this is not its primary use post-delivery. The placenta typically detaches and is delivered shortly after birth. Oxytocin's main role after delivery is to continue stimulating contractions to reduce bleeding and help the uterus return to a non-pregnant state.
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