Patient Data

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress,

A. Perform pulmonary function test
This is important for assessing lung function, but it is not an immediate priority during an acute exacerbation when the patient's oxygen saturation is low and they are experiencing respiratory distress.
Pulmonary function testing can be done once the patient's acute symptoms are stabilized.
B. Measure vital signs
While vital signs are important for ongoing assessment, the patient's vital signs were already assessed at admission and are being monitored every 4 hours as per orders.
Administering oxygen and albuterol to stabilize the patient's condition takes precedence over routine vital sign checks immediately after the initial assessment.
C. Provide a regular diet tray
This is a routine aspect of care and does not address the acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia that require immediate attention.
It can be done once the patient's respiratory status has stabilized.
D. Give albuterol as ordered
The patient is experiencing an asthma exacerbation with wheezing and subcostal retractions. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.
It was ordered for nebulization now and every 4 hours PRN (as needed) for wheezing.
Administering albuterol promptly is crucial to help alleviate respiratory distress and improve lung function.
E. Apply oxygen 1 L/minute
The patient's oxygen saturation is 91% on room air, which is below the target of greater than 94%. Oxygen therapy is indicated to correct hypoxemia and improve oxygen saturation.
The order specifies to titrate oxygen to keep saturation greater than 94%, starting at 1 L/minute via nasal cannula.

Rationale

A. Clenched fists can be a sign of pain in infants. Infants may reflexively clench their fists as a response to discomfort or pain. This behavior is commonly observed during painful procedures or when experiencing pain.

B. While fever can sometimes accompany pain due to inflammation or stress response, it is not typically a reliable indicator of pain in the absence of other signs. Therefore, fever alone is not a specific indicator of pain post-pyloromyotomy.

C. Restlessness or increased agitation can indicate pain in infants. They may squirm, move their arms and legs, or have difficulty settling down. Restlessness is a non-verbal cue that infants use to communicate discomfort or distress.

D. Peripheral pallor could indicate decreased peripheral perfusion, which might occur due to various factors post-operatively, but it is not a direct indicator of pain.

E. Increased respiratory rate can be associated with pain.

F. An increased pulse rate (tachycardia) is a physiological response to pain in infants. Pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increased heart rate as the body prepares to respond to stress or discomfort.