Exhibits
The parents are at the bedside and state that each parent thought the other parent was watching the child. They are not sure how long he was in the pool or how he might have fallen in. The temperature of the pool was cool as the temperature outside was about 64 °F (17.8 °C).
Placed a cervical collar with the assistance of the physician. The child's pulse is 121 beats/minute, the airway is patent, and there are no signs of any bleeding.
Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory results, orders, and imaging studies. What complications should the nurse monitor for in the next 6 to 8 hours? Select all that apply.
Cerebral edema
Acute asphyxia
Hypertension
Respiratory distress
Hyperthermia
Subdural hemorrhage
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale: Hypoxic-ischemic injury from submersion can lead to delayed cerebral edema. Monitoring is critical as the brain's inflammatory response to the initial insult often peaks several hours after the event.
Choice B rationale: Asphyxia is the initial event that occurred in the pool. By the time the child is admitted to the pediatric floor, the asphyxiation event has passed; the nurse now monitors for its aftereffects.
Choice C rationale: Near-drowning victims are more likely to experience hypotension due to myocardial depression or shifting fluid balances. Hypertension is not a typical expected complication in the immediate post-submersion recovery period.
Choice D rationale: Aspiration of water interferes with surfactant production and damages alveolar membranes, leading to pulmonary edema or ARDS. Respiratory status can deteriorate rapidly 6 to 8 hours after the initial insult.
Choice E rationale: The child was in cool water with an outdoor temperature of 64°F, making hypothermia the primary concern. Hyperthermia is not expected unless a secondary infection or a thermregulation failure occurs much later.
Choice F rationale: The head CT scan was negative for bleeding. Without a significant traumatic impact or pre-existing condition, a subdural hemorrhage is not a standard complication resulting from a submersion injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infections.
However, in the case of MRSA, contact precautions are needed due to the risk of direct transmission through physical contact.
B) Correct- Monitoring the white blood cell count is important to assess for signs of infection, as an elevated count might indicate an ongoing inflammatory response.
C) Correct- Foul-smelling drainage from an incision with suspected MRSA indicates a potential infection. Contact precautions are appropriate for MRSA, which include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
D) Correct- Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity helps identify the specific microorganisms causing the infection and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment.
E) Incorrect- A low-bacteria diet is not relevant to the situation. MRSA is caused by a bacterium, not by dietary factors. The focus should be on infection control measures and appropriate medical interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Allen's test is a procedure used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery and the collateral circulation of the hand. It is performed to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation before obtaining arterial blood gases from the radial artery. The test helps ensure that the ulnar artery is functioning properly and can supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is used for blood sampling or other invasive procedures.
The test involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries while the patient clenches their fist. The nurse then releases pressure on the ulnar artery while maintaining occlusion of the radial artery. The hand should quickly regain normal coloration, indicating adequate collateral circulation.
It's important to note that the Allen's test is specific to the assessment of collateral circulation in the hand and is not used for other purposes such as assessing deep vein thrombosis, cardiac output calculation, or obtaining pulmonary artery pressures.
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