Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately? (select all that apply)
Loss of appetite
Platelet count
Developmental regression
Absolute neutrophil count
Hemoglobin
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice A reason: Loss of appetite is not an urgent finding, as it may be caused by various factors, such as nausea, pain, or stress. The nurse should monitor the child's fluid and calorie intake and encourage oral hydration and nutrition. However, loss of appetite does not require immediate reporting to the health care provider.
Choice B reason: Platelet count is not an urgent finding, as it is not given in the text. The nurse should check the child's laboratory results and compare them with the normal ranges for preschoolers. A normal platelet count for children is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood¹. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may indicate bleeding disorders, infections, or bone marrow problems. A high platelet count (thrombocytosis) may indicate inflammation, infection, or cancer. The nurse should report any abnormal platelet count to the health care provider, but it is not an immediate concern.
Choice C reason: Developmental regression is an urgent finding, as it may indicate a serious neurological problem, such as a brain tumor, infection, or injury. Developmental regression is the loss of previously acquired skills or milestones, such as language, motor, or social skills. The nurse should assess the child's developmental level and report any signs of regression to the health care provider as soon as possible.
Choice D reason: Absolute neutrophil count is an urgent finding, as it may indicate a severe infection or a compromised immune system. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight bacterial infections. The absolute neutrophil count is the number of neutrophils in a microliter of blood. A normal absolute neutrophil count for children is 1,500 to 8,000 per microliter of blood². A low absolute neutrophil count (neutropenia) may increase the risk of infection and sepsis. A high absolute neutrophil count (neutrophilia) may indicate an acute infection or inflammation. The nurse should report any abnormal absolute neutrophil count to the health care provider immediately.
Choice E reason: Hemoglobin is not an urgent finding, as it is not given in the text. The nurse should check the child's laboratory results and compare them with the normal ranges for preschoolers. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A normal hemoglobin level for children is 11.5 to 15.5 grams per deciliter of blood³. A low hemoglobin level (anemia) may indicate blood loss, iron deficiency, or bone marrow problems. A high hemoglobin level (polycythemia) may indicate dehydration, lung disease, or heart disease. The nurse should report any abnormal hemoglobin level to the health care provider, but it is not an immediate concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Holding the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may cause spinal cord compression or respiratory distress in the infant. The nurse should position the infant on his side with his back arched and his head and knees flexed.
Choice B reason: Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may increase the intracranial pressure and cause headaches or vomiting in the infant. The nurse should keep the infant flat or slightly elevated for 4 to 6 hr after the procedure.
Choice C reason: Keeping the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This may cause dehydration or hypoglycemia in the infant. The nurse should follow the provider's orders for fasting, which are usually 2 to 4 hr for clear liquids and 4 to 6 hr for solids.
Choice D reason: Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is a topical anesthetic that can reduce the pain and discomfort of the needle insertion. The nurse should apply the cream to the lower back and cover it with an occlusive dressing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Offering the child clear liquids for the first 24 hours is not necessary, as the child can resume a normal diet after the procedure. Clear liquids are only recommended for the first few hours after the procedure to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Choice B reason: Assisting the child to take a tub bath for the first 3 days is not advised, as it can increase the risk of infection and bleeding at the catheter insertion site. The child should avoid tub baths, swimming, and soaking the site until it is completely healed, which may take up to a week.
Choice C reason: Giving the child acetaminophen for discomfort is appropriate, as it can relieve the pain and soreness at the catheter insertion site. The child should avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D reason: Keeping the child home for 1 week is not required, as the child can resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure. The child should avoid strenuous activities, such as running, jumping, and biking, for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
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