A 1-week-old neonate is admitted to the ED with a temperature of 39.7°C (103.5°F) axillary, HR 182, RR 76, BP 82/44, O2 saturation 96%. What are your immediate nursing priorities?
Recheck blood pressure and provide oxygen.
Administer aspirin and normal saline bolus.
Administer antibiotics and oxygen.
Obtain blood cultures, provide IV fluids and antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as rechecking blood pressure and providing oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of perfusion in neonates, and oxygen saturation is already within normal range. The nurse should focus on identifying and treating the source of infection, preventing hypovolemia and shock, and monitoring the vital signs and blood glucose levels.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering aspirin and normal saline bolus are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain. Normal saline bolus may be indicated for hypotension or shock, but only after obtaining blood cultures and starting antibiotics.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering antibiotics and oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Antibiotics are essential for treating the infection, but they should be given after obtaining blood cultures to avoid false-negative results. Oxygen may be needed if the neonate develops hypoxia or respiratory distress, but it is not the first intervention for a neonate with normal oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as obtaining blood cultures, providing IV fluids and antibiotics are the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood cultures are necessary to identify the causative organism and guide the antibiotic therapy. IV fluids are needed to maintain hydration, perfusion, and electrolyte balance. Antibiotics are needed to eradicate the infection and prevent septic shock and organ failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice. Letting the child hear the sounds of an ECG monitor can help reduce anxiety and fear of the unknown. It can also help the child understand what to expect during the surgery and recovery.
Choice B reason: This is not a good choice. Avoiding mentioning postoperative discomfort and interventions can create unrealistic expectations and mistrust. The nurse should provide honest and age-appropriate information about the surgery and the possible complications and pain management.
Choice C reason: This is not a good choice. Explaining that an endotracheal tube will not be needed if the surgery goes well can imply that the surgery might not go well and cause unnecessary worry. The nurse should explain that an endotracheal tube is a common device that helps the child breathe during and after the surgery and that it will be removed as soon as possible.
Choice D reason: This is not a good choice. Unfamiliar equipment should be shown and explained to the child and the family in a simple and reassuring way. This can help them become familiar with the equipment and reduce their fear and anxiety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as sodium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Sodium excess, or hypernatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is too high, which can result from excessive intake or loss of water. The symptoms of sodium excess may include thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as overhydration is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Overhydration, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body has too much fluid, which can result from excessive intake or retention of water. The symptoms of overhydration may include edema, weight gain, shortness of breath, or crackles in the lungs.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as dehydration is the most likely cause of the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate intake of water. The symptoms of dehydration may include dry skin, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, or lethargy.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as calcium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Calcium excess, or hypercalcemia, is a condition where the blood calcium level is too high, which can result from hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium. The symptoms of calcium excess may include nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, or kidney stones.
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