The practical nurse (PN) is assigned to care for four children. Which child should be assessed first?
4 year-old who needs to stand to void before going to x-ray
3-year-old who is in isolation with chickenpox lesions and MRSA
18-month-old who has cystic fibrosis and is wheezing
2-year-old who is admitted for gastroenteritis and vomiting.
The Correct Answer is C
A. 4-year-old who needs to stand to void before going to x-ray: This child requires assistance with a non-urgent procedure. While important for completing diagnostics, it is not an immediate threat to the child’s health or airway.
B. 3-year-old who is in isolation with chickenpox lesions and MRSA: Isolation precautions are important to prevent infection spread, but the child’s current condition is stable and does not indicate acute respiratory distress.
C. 18-month-old who has cystic fibrosis and is wheezing: Wheezing in a child with cystic fibrosis indicates potential airway obstruction or respiratory compromise, which can rapidly become life-threatening. This child requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure airway patency and oxygenation.
D. 2-year-old who is admitted for gastroenteritis and vomiting: Gastroenteritis and vomiting require monitoring for dehydration, but unless there are signs of severe fluid loss or electrolyte imbalance, it is less urgent than a child experiencing respiratory distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Platelet count 135,000/mm³ or 135 x 10⁹/L: This mild thrombocytopenia is a common effect of chemotherapy and does not require urgent intervention unless the count drops below 100,000/mm³ or active bleeding occurs.
B. Blood urea nitrogen 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L: A BUN level this high indicates severe renal impairment or dehydration, both of which are critical in a chemotherapy patient. Renal dysfunction can result from nephrotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and must be reported immediately to prevent further kidney damage.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes: While this may suggest electrolyte imbalance or peripheral neuropathy, it is not immediately life-threatening and can be monitored until further evaluation.
D. Periodic nausea and vomiting: These are expected side effects of chemotherapy and, though uncomfortable, do not represent an acute or life-threatening condition compared to severe renal dysfunction reflected by the elevated BUN.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Measure blood pressure: While assessing blood pressure provides useful data about cardiovascular status, it does not give immediate information about the client’s oxygenation level. The priority in dyspnea is to evaluate respiratory function before addressing circulatory parameters.
B. Observe pressure areas: Inspecting pressure areas is important for skin integrity in a bedfast client but is not an immediate concern when the client shows signs of respiratory distress. The focus should first be on assessing oxygen saturation and airway status.
C. Notify the charge nurse: Communication with the charge nurse is necessary, but only after the PN has obtained essential assessment data. Reporting findings such as oxygen saturation helps guide urgent interventions and escalation of care.
D. Apply a pulse oximeter: Applying a pulse oximeter is the first action because it provides rapid, objective information about the client’s oxygenation status. This allows the PN to determine the severity of hypoxia and respond promptly with appropriate interventions or reporting.
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