A parent rushes their pre-school age child to the emergency department with an asthma exacerbation.
Which additional finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
Flaring of the nares.
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
Diaphragmatic respirations.
Resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute.
Resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute.
The Correct Answer is A
Flaring of the nares is a sign of respiratory distress in children. It indicates that the child is working harder to breathe.
Choice B rationale
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are normal and do not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Diaphragmatic respirations are normal in children and do not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a preschoolaged child and does not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within the normal range for adults, including those who have recently given birth. Therefore, there is no need to report this to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
While assessing for excessive lochia is important in postpartum care, there is no indication from the given vital signs that this is necessary.
Choice C rationale
The vital signs provided are all within normal ranges for a postpartum patient. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to document these findings in the patient’s record.
Choice D rationale
There is no indication from the given vital signs that the patient has a fever or pain, so administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen is not necessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the capillary refill of the toes is crucial when a child has a long-leg cast applied. This is because it helps assess the adequacy of circulation to the foot, which can be compromised by the cast. If the capillary refill is delayed (more than 2 seconds), it could indicate poor blood flow to the area, which could lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis.
Choice B rationale
Comparing the temperature of both legs can provide information about circulation and inflammation. However, it is not the most important action in this case. While a significant difference in temperature could indicate a problem, it is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice C rationale
Observing for spontaneous movement can provide information about nerve function. If the child is not moving the toes, it could indicate nerve damage. However, lack of movement could also be due to discomfort from the cast and is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice D rationale
Checking the femoral pulses can provide information about circulation to the leg. However, the femoral pulse is proximal to the cast and may not accurately reflect circulation to the foot. Therefore, it is not the most important action in this case.
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