The nurse is assessing a 4-year old client who was sent to the emergency department from urgent care. Assessment reveals tripod positioning, blue lips, mottled skin, inspiratory stridor, and excessive drooling. Vital signs are:
Temp: 39 C (102.2 F)
HR: 188
RR: 46
02: 81%
What is the priority action for the nurse to take at this time?
Keep the child him and call for emergency airway equipment
Assess the throat for a cherry red epiglottis
Place the child on a knee to chest position
Obtain IV access and start IV fluids
The Correct Answer is A
A. The child is showing signs of severe respiratory distress, likely due to epiglottitis. The priority is to keep the child calm to avoid further airway obstruction and to prepare for emergency airway management.
B. While assessing the throat for epiglottitis is important, direct visualization of the throat can cause spasm and worsen airway obstruction.
C. The knee-to-chest position is typically used in cases of respiratory distress in infants (e.g., with RSV), but not in this case.
D. While IV access and fluids may be necessary, the immediate priority is securing the airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Aortic stenosis (AS) typically causes a difference in blood flow across the aortic valve but does not usually require assessment of upper and lower extremity blood pressures.
B. Transposition of the Great Vessels (Arteries) results in cyanosis and abnormal circulatory flow but does not require upper and lower extremity blood pressure monitoring.
C. Coarctation of the Aorta (COA) is characterized by narrowing of the aorta, often resulting in higher blood pressure in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. Measuring both helps identify this condition.
D. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) involves right ventricular outflow obstruction, VSD, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy, but upper and lower extremity blood pressures are not typically used for diagnosis.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Potential Condition: Viral Pneumonia
High fever (39.88°C/103.8°F), severe fatigue, chills, productive cough, and dyspnea suggest a respiratory infection. Bilateral lung consolidation on x-ray is consistent with viral pneumonia. Negative bacterial culture supports a viral rather than bacterial etiology. Elevated WBC count (12,300/mm³) is slightly above normal, which can occur with viral infections. Crackles in upper lobes, diminished breath sounds in lower lobes are common findings in pneumonia.
Actions to Take (Correct Choices)
Cluster client care to allow for rest: Viral pneumonia leads to fatigue and respiratory distress. Minimizing exertion conserves energy and improves recovery.
Administer prescribed antipyretic: Reduces fever, improves comfort, and helps decrease metabolic demand on the body.
Incorrect Actions and Rationale:
Replace pancreatic enzymes – This is necessary for cystic fibrosis, not viral pneumonia.
Maintain airborne precautions – Airborne precautions are required for tuberculosis (TB), not viral pneumonia. Pneumonia typically requires droplet precautions only if caused by a pathogen like influenza.
Obtain a peak respiratory flow rate – More relevant for asthma, not pneumonia.
Parameters to Monitor (Correct Choices)
Level of fatigue: Fatigue indicates worsening illness or improvement. Increasing exhaustion may suggest hypoxia or worsening pneumonia.
Oxygen saturation levels: 92% on room air is borderline low, requiring monitoring for worsening hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy may be needed if saturation drops further.
Incorrect Parameters:
Allergen triggers – Relevant for asthma, not viral pneumonia.
Diet high in protein and calcium – Important for cystic fibrosis, but not a primary concern for pneumonia management.
Blood glucose levels – More relevant for diabetes or steroid therapy, not viral pneumonia.
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