Nurse Ashley is caring for a 6-year-old female patient in an outpatient doctor's office

Patient Results

Leukocytes:

Nitrates

Urobil

Protein

PH 6.5

Blood

Spec Gravity 1.020

Ketones

Bilirubin

Glucose

Based on the patient's presentation, what would the nurse anticipate her diagnosis to be?

The symptoms described, including vomiting, coughing, and looking flushed, are concerning for a potentially severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. This could be indicative of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Administering CPR (Option D) is not appropriate at this point unless the child becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, which would be a very late sign of anaphylaxis. In such a situation, CPR would be necessary, but the primary focus should be on calling 911 and obtaining immediate medical assistance.

Option A, giving Benadryl, can be part of the treatment for an allergic reaction, but it should not be the first or only action taken in a severe allergic reaction. Immediate medical evaluation and potential administration of epinephrine are more critical.

Option B, recommending symptomatic treatment for the cough, is not appropriate in this situation. The priority is recognizing the potential severity of the allergic reaction and seeking immediate emergency care.

Therefore, the nurse should advise the mother to call 911 to ensure that the child receives prompt medical attention and assessment for anaphylaxis.

Cardioversion involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. While it may be used for certain types of tachyarrhythmias in adults, it is typically not the first-line treatment for SVT in pediatric patients.
In pediatric patients with SVT, the initial management options often include:
B. Vagal maneuvers: Non-invasive maneuvers like the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage can be attempted to try and break the SVT rhythm.
C. Adenosine: Adenosine is often the first-line medication used for terminating SVT in pediatric patients. It is given intravenously in a controlled setting under medical supervision.
D. Continue to monitor for 30 minutes: After successful termination of SVT, it's important to continue monitoring the child's heart rhythm and vital signs to ensure that the arrhythmia does not recur.

In pediatric patients, the decision to use cardioversion is usually reserved for situations where other methods, including medications and vagal maneuvers, have not been successful or if the child is unstable. Cardioversion in pediatric patients is performed under sedation or anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Therefore, while cardioversion may be used in some cases, it is not the initial or most common approach for treating SVT in pediatric patients, making option A the answer to the question.