Which child requires urgent emergency medical intervention?
A 6-month-old who has a high fever, dysphagia, stridor, and a muffled cry.
A 13-year-old who has a high fever, stridor, and purulent secretions.
A 2-year-old who has a barky cough, is afebrile, and has mild intercostal retractions.
A 5-year-old who has an abrupt onset of moderate respiratory distress, a mild fever, and a barky cough.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A 6-month-old who has a high fever, dysphagia, stridor, and a muffled cry. This child is showing signs of epiglottitis, a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Epiglottitis is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the windpipe. Symptoms include high fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow), and a muffled or hoarse voice. In severe cases, it can lead to complete blockage of the airway, which is a medical emergency.
Choice B rationale
A 13-year-old who has a high fever, stridor, and purulent secretions. While these symptoms are concerning and require medical attention, they are not as immediately life-threatening as the symptoms presented in Choice A. The presence of purulent secretions suggests a bacterial infection, which while serious, can typically be treated with antibiotics.
Choice C rationale
A 2-year-old who has a barky cough, is afebrile, and has mild intercostal retractions. These symptoms suggest croup, a common childhood condition that causes a barky cough and mild breathing difficulties. While croup can be distressing, it is usually not life-threatening and can often be managed at home with supportive care.
Choice D rationale
A 5-year-old who has an abrupt onset of moderate respiratory distress, a mild fever, and a barky cough. These symptoms also suggest croup. While this child is experiencing moderate respiratory distress, which requires medical attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as the symptoms presented in Choice A2.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dehydration in infants can be a serious medical concern if not addressed quickly. It can be caused by various factors such as vomiting or diarrhea, or if the baby is not nursing well. The most common signs of dehydration in babies include concentrated urine that looks very dark yellow or orange, constipation, dry lips, dry mouth, dry mucous membranes, excessive sleepiness, irritability, less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period, no interest in taking a bottle or breastfeeding, no tears when crying, paleness, sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on their head, and wrinkled skin. If the nurse observes these signs and symptoms in the infant, along with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient is dehydrated during the shift.
Choice B rationale
If the infant shows signs of improvement such as increased urine output, normal skin turgor, moist mucous membranes, and the infant is alert and active, then the nurse might determine that the patient is improving as anticipated. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.
Choice C rationale
Fluid volume excess, also known as fluid overload, occurs when the body has too much water and electrolytes. Symptoms can include swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or abdomen, weight gain, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. If the nurse observes these symptoms in the infant, along with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might
determine that the patient has fluid volume excess. However, given the information provided, this does not seem to be the most likely scenario.
Choice D rationale
If the infant’s vital signs are stable, the infant is alert and active, and there are no significant changes in the infant’s condition, the nurse might determine that the patient’s condition is stable. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An 18-month-old who has a high fever, coughs hard, and has a runny nose requires urgent care. High fever in a child can be a sign of a serious infection or other medical condition. The hard coughing could indicate a respiratory issue such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be serious in young children. The runny nose is another symptom of a possible respiratory infection.
Choice B rationale
A one-year-old who has a slight fever, a rash, and green secretions may not require urgent care but should still be seen by a healthcare provider. A slight fever can be a sign of a minor infection, which may resolve on its own or with over-the-counter remedies. However, a rash
and green secretions could indicate a bacterial infection, which may require antibiotic treatment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.