The parents of a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are learning to care for their child at home. Which statement made by the parents should the nurse recognize as correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child?
Reassess axillary temperature if it is higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C).
Verify if the child has a fever by checking a rectal temperature.
Notify for a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C).
Check temperature twice a day with an aural thermometer.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Reassessing axillary temperature if it is higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Axillary temperature is not the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, especially in children. It can be affected by factors such as clothing, sweating, and room temperature. Axillary temperature is usually lower than the core body temperature by about 1° F (0.6° C). Therefore, a child with an axillary temperature higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) may already have a significant fever and should be evaluated by a health care provider.
Choice B reason: Verifying if the child has a fever by checking a rectal temperature is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Rectal temperature is the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, but it is also the most invasive and uncomfortable. It can cause irritation, bleeding, or injury to the rectum, especially in children with low platelet counts or bleeding disorders. Rectal temperature is also not recommended for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as it can increase the risk of introducing bacteria or fungi into the bloodstream.
Choice C reason: Notifying for a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) is a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Temporal temperature is a noninvasive and convenient method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared scanner that detects the heat emitted by the temporal artery on the forehead. Temporal temperature is comparable to the core body temperature and can reflect changes in body temperature quickly. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) may have an infection and should be reported to the health care provider immediately.
Choice D reason: Checking temperature twice a day with an aural thermometer is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Aural temperature is a noninvasive and easy method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared sensor that detects the heat emitted by the tympanic membrane in the ear. However, aural temperature can be inaccurate or unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as earwax, ear infections, ear canal shape, and ambient noise. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a fever may not be detected by an aural thermometer, and may miss the opportunity for early intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Enabling limited time for cell phone use is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement to support the client's psychosocial needs. While cell phone use can help the client stay connected with their peers and social media, it can also be a source of distraction and stress. The nurse should encourage the client to balance their cell phone use with other activities that promote their well-being.
Choice B reason: Providing an activity room to spend time with other adolescents is the best intervention that the nurse can implement to support the client's psychosocial needs. This intervention can help the client cope with the anxiety and isolation that may result from their condition and hospitalization. It can also provide an opportunity for the client to interact with other adolescents who have similar experiences and challenges, and to engage in fun and meaningful activities that enhance their self-esteem and mood.
Choice C reason: Delivering 3 meals and snacks each day upon request is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement to support the client's psychosocial needs. While it is important to maintain the client's nutrition and hydration, it is not enough to address their emotional and social needs. The nurse should also encourage the client to eat with other adolescents or family members when possible, and to express their preferences and concerns about their food.
Choice D reason: Allowing family and friends to be present during assessments is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement to support the client's psychosocial needs. While it is important to involve the client's family and friends in their care, it is not necessary to have them present during every assessment. The nurse should respect the client's privacy and autonomy, and ask for their consent before allowing others to observe or participate in their assessments. The nurse should also provide the client with opportunities to talk to their family and friends in a comfortable and confidential setting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Scheduling the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck is not a priority action for the nurse. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the internal structures of the body. MRI of the neck may be useful to rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as tumors, abscesses, or foreign bodies, but it is not an urgent procedure. Moreover, MRI requires the child to lie still for a long time, which may be difficult or impossible for a child who is anxious and in respiratory distress.
Choice B reason: Providing a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators is not a suitable action for the nurse. Nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators may be helpful for children with respiratory distress caused by asthma, bronchiolitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child.
Choice C reason: Obtaining bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action for the nurse. Intubation is a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure the airway and provide ventilation. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube into the trachea to bypass the upper airway obstruction. Both procedures are life-saving interventions for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child. The nurse should prepare the necessary equipment and assist the healthcare provider in performing these procedures.
Choice D reason: Beginning prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration is not a relevant action for the nurse. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics may be indicated for children with respiratory distress caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by non-infectious causes, such as foreign bodies, anaphylaxis, or congenital anomalies. Moreover, antibiotics are not an immediate intervention for respiratory distress, as they take time to exert their effects.
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