A family brought their 3-week-old infant to the hospital by ambulance after having a seizure at home.
The baby received phenytoin in the ambulance and arrived at the hospital on 1 L/minute oxygen with a 22-gauge peripheral IV line in the left saphenous vein.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Correct Actions:
Administer calcium as prescribed - Administering calcium (usually IV calcium gluconate) corrects the calcium deficiency, stabilizes nerve and muscle function, and helps stop or prevent further seizures.
Monitor respiratory status - Monitoring respiratory rate, effort, and oxygen saturation ensures early detection of hypoventilation, apnea, or oxygen desaturation.Maintaining airway and oxygenation is critical for safety and preventing hypoxia.
Correct Condition:
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, can cause seizures in infants. Phenytoin, the medication given to the baby in the ambulance, is used to control seizures. Therefore, hypocalcemia could be the condition the infant is experiencing.
Correct Parameters to monitor:
Monitoring the respiratory rate is an important part of assessing any patient’s condition, especially an infant who has had a seizure.
Monitor serum calcium levels - Maintaining calcium within the normal neonatal range prevents recurrent seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, or neuromuscular irritability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While avoiding exposure to large crowds can help prevent infections, especially for patients with compromised immune systems, it is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice B rationale
While emotional support is important for patients dealing with health issues, calling a crisis hotline if feeling lonely is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice C rationale
This is the most crucial information for the patient. Acetaminophen is found in many over-the- counter medications, and further intake could exacerbate liver damage.
Choice D rationale
While a balanced diet is important for overall health, following a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate action the nurse should take. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is often released following spinal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm it is CSF.
Choice B rationale
Replacing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While it is important to manage the drainage and prevent infection, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While this can be part of ongoing wound care and monitoring, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is an important step, but it should not be the immediate action. The nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is, as it could indicate a complication from the surgery.
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