The nurse is providing care to an infant with sickle cell anaemia who has increased work of breathing, a fever, coarse crackles upon auscultation, oxygen saturation of 89%, and inconsolable crying. Which intervention will the nurse perform first?
Prepare to hang hypotonic fluids.
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
Provide patient education on acute chest syndrome.
Give a dose of morphine sulphate.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Preparing to hang hypotonic fluids is not the immediate priority in this situation. While hydration is important for managing sickle cell anaemia, the infant's respiratory distress and low oxygen saturation levels indicate that addressing oxygenation should be the first step. Hypotonic fluids may be considered after stabilizing the patient's breathing and oxygen levels.
Choice B reason: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula is the priority intervention given the infant's symptoms. The infant has increased work of breathing, a fever, coarse crackles upon auscultation, and low oxygen saturation (89%). Providing supplemental oxygen is crucial to improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent further complications and stabilize the patient's condition.
Choice C reason: Providing patient education on acute chest syndrome is important, but it is not the immediate priority in this emergency situation. Education can be given once the infant's acute symptoms are managed and stabilized. The focus should be on addressing the critical needs first, such as oxygenation and respiratory support.
Choice D reason: Giving a dose of morphine sulphate may help manage pain, but it is not the first priority in this scenario. The infant's respiratory status and oxygenation levels are more critical and require immediate attention. Pain management can be addressed after ensuring the infant's breathing and oxygen levels are stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While an oxygen saturation of 94% is slightly low, it is not an immediate emergency for a child with asthma. This patient can be monitored but does not require the nurse's immediate attention.
Choice B reason: Severe chest pain in a patient with sickle cell anaemia can indicate a serious complication known as acute chest syndrome, which is a medical emergency. This condition requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice C reason: A urine specific gravity of 1.010 indicates dilute urine, which is typical for a patient with diabetes insipidus. While this condition requires management, it is not an immediate emergency compared to severe chest pain in a sickle cell anaemia patient.
Choice D reason: A fever of 102.2°F in a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is concerning and requires attention, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as severe chest pain in a sickle cell anaemia patient. This patient can be seen after addressing the more urgent case.
Would you like to provide another text for editing, or is there anything else I can help you with?
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering immune globulin as soon as possible after delivery is a correct step but does not include the critical combination of both immune globulin and the hepatitis B vaccine, which provides optimal protection for the newborn against hepatitis B.
Choice B reason: The combination of hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine given within 12 hours of birth is the most effective intervention for preventing hepatitis B transmission from the parent to the infant. This approach ensures immediate passive immunity through the immune globulin and active immunity through the vaccine, significantly reducing the risk of the newborn developing hepatitis B.
Choice C reason: Administering hepatitis B immune globulin within 20 hours after birth delays the initiation of protective measures compared to the 12-hour window. It is essential to provide both immune globulin and the vaccine as early as possible to maximize the protective effect against hepatitis B.
Choice D reason: Administering the hepatitis B vaccine 24 hours after birth is too late for immediate protection against the virus. The combination of immune globulin and vaccine should be provided within the first 12 hours to ensure the highest level of protection for the newborn. Delaying the vaccination could increase the risk of hepatitis B transmission and infection.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
