A 3-month-old with bronchiolitis is brought to the clinic experiencing irritability and poor oral intake. Which finding should alert the practical nurse (PN) that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
Flaring of the nares.
Resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute.
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
Diaphragmatic respirations.
The Correct Answer is A
Flaring of the nares, or widening of the nostrils, is a sign of respiratory distress in infants. It indicates that the child is working harder to breathe. This finding should alert the practical nurse (PN) that the child with bronchiolitis is in acute respiratory distress.
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute (B) is within the normal range for a 3-month-old infant. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds (C) and diaphragmatic respirations (D) are not specific signs of acute respiratory distress in infants.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
An increasing trend in maternal heart rate is a sign of fetal distress, which can be a serious complication of PROM. One of the primary interventions for fetal distress is to increase oxygen delivery to the fetus. The practical nurse should initiate oxygen via face mask at 8 to 10 L/min to improve fetal oxygenation.
Contact precautions may be necessary for certain conditions, but they are not indicated for an increasing maternal heart rate.
Inserting a urinary catheter may be appropriate for monitoring output, but it is not the first priority in this situation.
Encouraging the client to push is not appropriate because the client is not in active labor and pushing can cause further complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The PN should report the injury details to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's condition and can help determine the appropriate course of action. The other options are not the most appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Obtaining a heel stick glucose (A) may be necessary if hypoglycemia is suspected, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Initiating strict intake and output measurements (C) may be necessary for monitoring fluid balance, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Swaddling the infant in a blanket (D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of the head injury and seizure episode.
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