A nurse at an urgent care clinic is caring for a child who hit her head on the playground at school 30 minutes ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
2 cm (0.8 in) scalp laceration.
Nasal discharge negative for glucose.
Asymmetric pupils.
Negative Babinski reflex.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A 2 cm scalp laceration, while a concern, is not the nurse's priority in this scenario. The child's head injury could potentially be serious, but priority should be given to neurological assessments and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Nasal discharge negative for glucose is not indicative of a major issue in this context. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the nose after head trauma is a concern, it is not mentioned in this scenario, and this choice does not take precedence over other neurological signs.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Asymmetric pupils can be a sign of a serious neurological issue, such as a brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. It requires immediate attention and further evaluation to assess the child's neurological status and determine the extent of the injury.
Choice D rationale:
A negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in this context and does not require immediate priority attention. The Babinski reflex is typically present in infants and disappears as the child grows older. Its absence is expected in older children and adults.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing a toddler in a side-lying position on the affected side after administering otic medication is not recommended. This position can cause the medication to leak out, reducing its effectiveness, and can also increase the risk of infection. It's important to keep the medication in the ear canal for an adequate amount of time to allow it to work properly.
Choice B rationale:
Allowing the medication to reach room temperature prior to administration is not a critical step for otic medications. While warming certain medications can reduce discomfort, this is not a specific requirement for ear drops. Ensuring the cleanliness of the ear, proper positioning, and correct administration technique are more important.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. Sitting the child in an upright position is the recommended approach for administering otic medication. This position helps ensure that the medication remains in the ear canal and is not immediately expelled. It also facilitates better penetration of the medication into the ear canal, increasing its effectiveness.
Choice D rationale:
Gently pulling a child's ear upward is a technique used for administering otic medications to straighten the ear canal and allow better access to the medication. However, this step alone is not sufficient. Proper positioning of the child is equally important to prevent the medication from leaking out.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It can be caused by various factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. However, tinnitus is not a commonly reported adverse effect of albuterol, which is a bronchodilator used to treat conditions like asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is not a commonly reported adverse effect of albuterol. Albuterol primarily acts on the smooth muscles of the airways to relax and dilate them, improving airflow. Constipation is more likely related to issues with the gastrointestinal system or certain medications, but it is not a direct consequence of albuterol use.
Choice C rationale:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not a known adverse effect of albuterol. Albuterol primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically impact blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with diabetes medications like insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic agents.
Choice D rationale:
Headache is a potential adverse effect of albuterol. While not everyone will experience a headache when taking albuterol, it can occur as a side effect in some individuals. Albuterol can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to effects such as increased heart rate and potential vasodilation, which could contribute to the development of a headache in some cases. It's important for the parents of a child taking albuterol to be aware of potential side effects and report them to the healthcare provider if they occur.
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