What is an important nursing consideration when suctioning a young child who has had heart surgery?
Expect symptoms of respiratory distress when suctioning.
Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning.
Perform suctioning at least every hour.
Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning.
Choice A rationale:
Expect symptoms of respiratory distress when suctioning. While respiratory distress can occur during and after suctioning, it is not the main nursing consideration. The primary goal is to minimize any potential complications and ensure the child's safety during the procedure, which can be achieved by following appropriate guidelines.
Choice B rationale:
Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning. Correct Answer. Administering supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning is crucial to maintain adequate oxygenation during and after the procedure. Suctioning can temporarily decrease oxygen levels and cause desaturation, especially in a child who has undergone heart surgery. Providing supplemental oxygen helps prevent hypoxia and supports respiratory function.
Choice C rationale:
Perform suctioning at least every hour. Frequent suctioning at least every hour is not a standard nursing practice, especially for a child who has had heart surgery. Suctioning should only be performed as needed based on the child's clinical condition, and excessive suctioning can irritate the airway and lead to complications.
Choice D rationale:
Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time. While limiting the duration of suctioning is important to prevent hypoxia and trauma to the airway, the specific duration of 30 seconds is not a universal rule. Suctioning should be performed for the shortest effective duration to minimize the risk of complications, but the optimal time can vary based on the child's condition and the type of suctioning being used.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice E. Board games.
Choice A rationale:
Computer games might not be the best choice for a child with osteomyelitis. These games involve prolonged screen time and limited physical movement, which could potentially hinder the child's recovery.
Choice B rationale:
Paper and paints involve a level of physical activity that might not be suitable for a child with osteomyelitis. The child's movement might be restricted due to the condition, and activities that require fine motor skills might not be comfortable for them.
Choice C rationale:
Jack-in-the-box involves sudden surprises and might startle the child, which could be detrimental to their recovery. Children with osteomyelitis might be dealing with pain and discomfort, so it's important to avoid activities that could cause unnecessary distress.
Choice D rationale:
Stuffed animals might be a comforting option for the child. However, the child might also experience pain or discomfort when handling stuffed animals due to their condition. It's better to choose activities that don't involve physical contact that could potentially exacerbate the child's symptoms.
Choice E rationale:
Board games are a suitable choice for a child with osteomyelitis. They provide mental stimulation and entertainment without requiring excessive physical activity. Board games also promote social interaction if played with others, which is important for the child's emotional well-being during their hospital stay.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Cardiac valve damage.
Choice A rationale:
Pulmonary hypertension is not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain, and pulmonary hypertension is not a typical manifestation of this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiac valve damage is a common and serious complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is caused by an autoimmune reaction to untreated streptococcal infections, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes. The immune response targets not only the streptococcal bacteria but also the body's own tissues, especially heart valves. This can lead to inflammation of the heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic heart disease. Over time, repeated bouts of rheumatic fever can result in significant damage to the heart valves, leading to valve insufficiency or stenosis. This can ultimately cause heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
Choice C rationale:
Seizures are not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart and other body systems, but it does not typically lead to seizures.
Choice D rationale:
Cardiac arrhythmias are possible complications of rheumatic fever, but they are not as common or significant as cardiac valve damage. The inflammation and scarring caused by rheumatic fever can disrupt the electrical pathways of the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias. However, the more prevalent and severe consequence of rheumatic fever is the damage to the heart valves.
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