6-year-old child.

Vomited 3 times in the past 24 hr. Irritable behavior for the past 24 hr. The respiratory infection started 3 days ago.

Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs are positive.

Vital Signs.

Respiratory rate 28/min.

Pulse rate 120/min.

BP 108/64 mm Hg. Pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Medication Administration Record.

Vancomycin 300 mg IV q 6 hr following blood cultures.

Acetaminophen 240 mg PO q 6 hr PRN fever.

A nurse is planning care for a child during admission to the facility.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

(Correct Choice) Checking the expiration date on the safety inspection sticker of the pump is essential to ensure the equipment is functioning properly and safely. Using expired equipment can compromise the client's safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Verifying that the extension cord for the pump is ungrounded is important for electrical safety. However, it is not the nurse's responsibility to do this. This action should be performed by a qualified electrician or facility maintenance personnel.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the pump with a frayed cord is essential. However, it is not safe to proceed with the infusion in this situation. Using damaged equipment can lead to electrical hazards and compromise the client's safety.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a surge protector is important for protecting the pump and other electrical appliances from power surges. While this is a good practice, it is not the first action the nurse should take when preparing to initiate intravenous fluids.

Question 1: The correct answer is Choice A - Stabilize the tube by taping it to the infant’s cheek.

Choice A Rationale: Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is crucial to prevent displacement, which could lead to complications such as misplacement into the respiratory tract or discomfort for the infant. Proper securing ensures the tube remains in the intended position, facilitating the safe and effective delivery of nutrients. This action aligns with standard nursing practices to promote patient safety and comfort during enteral feedings.

Choice B Rationale: Option B suggests positioning the infant in a supine position during feedings, which is incorrect. Placing the infant in a supine position increases the risk of aspiration due to the potential for reflux. Instead, the infant should be positioned upright or semi-upright with the head elevated to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration.

Choice C Rationale: Aspiration of residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it (Option C) is not recommended practice. Aspirated gastric contents should be measured and assessed for volume and color to evaluate gastrointestinal function and potential complications. Discarding the aspirate without evaluation could lead to the oversight of important clinical indicators or abnormalities in the infant's condition.

Choice D Rationale: Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) (Option D) is an incorrect practice. Heating formula in a microwave can result in uneven temperature distribution, creating hot spots that may cause burns to the infant's delicate oral mucosa or esophagus. The preferred method for warming formula is to use a water bath or bottle warmer to achieve a consistent temperature close to body temperature (around 37°C or 98.6°F).