The nurse performs an assessment of a child with pertussis (whooping cough). Which finding would the nurse identify as indicative of a potential complication?
A urinary output of 30 mL/hr
A white blood cell (WBC) count of 10.000 mm3 (10×109/L)
Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases
A weight gain
The Correct Answer is C
A. A urinary output of 30 mL/hr
Explanation: While decreased urinary output may indicate dehydration, it is not a specific finding related to pertussis. Dehydration can occur due to inadequate fluid intake or loss through vomiting or sweating.
B. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 10,000 mm3 (10×10^9/L)
Explanation: An elevated white blood cell count is a common finding in infections, including pertussis. It reflects the body's immune response to the infection. A WBC count of 10,000 mm3 is within the normal range, and while it indicates an inflammatory response, it does not specifically point to a complication.
C. Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases
Explanation:
Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Complications can arise, including pneumonia. Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases may suggest the presence of pneumonia, which is a serious complication of pertussis. Pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress and requires prompt medical attention.
D. A weight gain
Explanation: Weight gain is not typically associated with pertussis. In fact, respiratory distress and difficulty feeding during coughing paroxysms can lead to weight loss in infants with pertussis. Weight gain may be indicative of other unrelated factors.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The immunization schedule will need to be altered."
Incorrect: This is too vague and does not provide specific information about the child's immunization schedule.
B. "The child will receive all of the immunizations except for the polio series."
Incorrect: There is no indication that the child should not receive the polio vaccine. Children with cystic fibrosis are generally recommended to receive all appropriate vaccinations.
C. "The child will receive the recommended basic series of immunizations along with a yearly influenza vaccination."
Correct Answer: Children with cystic fibrosis should receive the recommended basic series of immunizations, including vaccines for diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, and others. Additionally, they should receive a yearly influenza vaccination to help prevent respiratory complications.
D. "The child should not receive any hepatitis vaccines."
Incorrect: There is no general contraindication for children with cystic fibrosis to receive hepatitis vaccines. The nurse should recommend the appropriate vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, as per the standard immunization schedule.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Possible sexual abuse.
Correct Answer: Chlamydial conjunctivitis in a child can raise concerns about possible sexual abuse. Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacterium responsible for chlamydial conjunctivitis, is commonly transmitted through contact with infected genital secretions. Therefore, the presence of chlamydial conjunctivitis in a child may warrant further investigation into the possibility of sexual abuse.
B. Possible trauma:
Incorrect: While trauma can cause eye-related symptoms, chlamydial conjunctivitis is specifically associated with an infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
C. Presence of an allergy:
Incorrect: Allergic conjunctivitis may cause itchy, red, and swollen eyes, but chlamydial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection and is not related to allergies.
D. Presence of a respiratory infection:
Incorrect: Chlamydial conjunctivitis is not typically associated with respiratory infections. It is primarily caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is more commonly linked to genital tract infections.
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