The nurse is reviewing the history and physical notes, as well as the nurse’s notes and laboratory results for a child.
The child is developmentally appropriate, interacting with his parents, and is in the percentile for weight and height.
The child’s lung sounds are clear and equal, a murmur is noted upon auscultation, and clubbing of the fingers is observed.
There is no skin breakdown, and the mucous membranes are pink and moist.
What condition is the child most likely experiencing, what two actions should the nurse take for this condition, and what two parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the child’s progress?

Choice A rationale

The child’s symptoms, including clear and equal lung sounds, a murmur upon auscultation, and clubbing of the fingers, suggest a condition affecting the heart and lungs. Polycythemia, a condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells, could explain these symptoms. The nurse should monitor the child’s hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, as these can be elevated in polycythemia. The nurse should also monitor the child’s oxygen saturation, as hypoxia can occur in polycythemia3.

Choice B rationale

While temperature is an important vital sign to monitor in any patient, it does not directly address the child’s symptoms or the likely underlying condition. Therefore, it is not the most relevant choice in this scenario3. Diabetic ketoacidosisDiabetic ketoacidosis Explore