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 B
Explanation
A. It is inconclusive
Explanation: A serum phenylalanine level within the normal range is considered conclusive in ruling out phenylketonuria. Inconclusive results typically occur when there are issues with the sample or testing process.
B. It is negative
Explanation:
A serum phenylalanine level of 1 mg/dL (60.5 mcmol/L) in a 2-week-old infant is within the normal range. In the context of phenylketonuria (PKU) screening, a "negative" result means that the phenylalanine levels are within the expected range, and there is no evidence of phenylketonuria.
C. It requires rescreening at age 6 weeks.
Explanation: If the initial screening result is within the normal range, rescreening at age 6 weeks may not be necessary for phenylketonuria. The timing and need for rescreening may vary based on local protocols and individual patient factors.
D. It is positive
Explanation: A positive result for phenylketonuria would indicate that the serum phenylalanine levels are elevated, suggesting a potential diagnosis of PKU. In this case, the result is negative, meaning there is no evidence of PKU.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diarrhea
Explanation: Diarrhea is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. Instead, the condition is associated with constipation due to the obstructed passage of stool.
B. Regurgitation of feedings
Explanation: Regurgitation of feedings is not a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be seen in other gastrointestinal conditions, but not specifically in this disorder.
C. Projectile vomiting
Explanation: Projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis, but it is not a characteristic feature of Hirschsprung's disease.
D. Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
Explanation:
Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and a portion of the colon. The lack of ganglion cells results in functional obstruction, causing stool to accumulate in the affected area. One of the hallmark signs is the presence of foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, often described as "fecal pellets" or "pellets" due to the obstructed passage of stool.
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