The nurse is performing an admission assessment on the neonate and finds femoral pulses to be weaker than the brachial and radial pulses. The next nursing action should be
Place the infant in reverse Trendelenburg position
Place the infant in the knee to chest position
Take the infant's blood pressure in all extremities
Notify the Physician
The Correct Answer is C
Option A (Place the infant in reverse Trendelenburg position) and option B (Place the infant in the knee to chest position) are not the immediate actions to address this situation. While these positions might be used in specific situations, assessing blood pressure is more appropriate in this context to evaluate for potential vascular issues.
Option C. Take the infant's blood pressure in all extremities.
In an infant with weaker femoral pulses compared to the brachial and radial pulses, there might be a concern about coarctation of the aorta (a narrowing of the aorta), which can affect blood flow to the lower extremities. To confirm this and assess for potential issues, taking blood pressure measurements in all four extremities is crucial. This comparison can help identify pressure differentials between the upper and lower extremities, which is a hallmark sign of coarctation of the aorta.
Option D (Notify the Physician) is generally a good step, but taking the blood pressure in all extremities should be done first to provide comprehensive information for the physician when discussing the infant's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Checking urine for glucose and protein is not directly related to the care of a child with a VP shunt. The focus is on monitoring the child for signs of complications related to the shunt.
B. Administering narcotics for pain control may be indicated if the child is in pain, but it is not the primary action and should be determined based on the child's pain assessment.
C. Testing cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid leakage for protein is not typically a nursing responsibility in the immediate postoperative period. Leakage of CSF should be reported to the healthcare provider, and diagnostic tests would be conducted by medical staff as needed.
D. Monitor for increased temperature.
Monitoring for an increased temperature is essential because postoperative fever could be an early sign of infection or complications related to the VP shunt. Infection and shunt malfunction are potential risks in the postoperative period.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A fontanelle that bulges with crying.
Myelomeningocele is a congenital neural tube defect that involves the spinal cord. It is associated with an increased risk of hydrocephalus, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The fontanelle (soft spot) on an infant's head can provide insight into ICP. When an infant with myelomeningocele has an increase in intracranial pressure, the fontanelle may bulge, especially when the infant cries. This is due to the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull.
B. Increased respiratory rate: While increased intracranial pressure can affect various body systems, an increased respiratory rate is not a specific sign of ICP associated with myelomeningocele.
C. A high-pitched cry: A high-pitched cry is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure in the context of myelomeningocele. Signs of ICP in infants may include irritability, lethargy, vomiting, and changes in head circumference.
D. Tachycardia: Tachycardia can be a response to stress or discomfort in an infant, but it is not a specific indicator of increased intracranial pressure related to myelomeningocele.
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