A nurse in a pediatric clinic is reviewing the laboratory results of a school-age child. Which of the following findings indicates the child may have a potential bacterial infection?
Increased hemoglobin
Increased absolute neutrophils
Decreased C-reactive protein
Decreased platelets
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Increased hemoglobin: Elevated hemoglobin levels are generally associated with dehydration, high altitude, or chronic hypoxia, but they are not specific indicators of infection. Hemoglobin does not provide direct evidence of a bacterial process.
B. Increased absolute neutrophils: Neutrophils are the primary white blood cells involved in fighting bacterial infections. An elevated absolute neutrophil count suggests an acute bacterial infection or an inflammatory response caused by bacterial pathogens.
C. Decreased C-reactive protein: CRP is a marker of inflammation, often elevated during bacterial infections. A decreased CRP level makes bacterial infection less likely and is not consistent with the inflammatory response usually seen in such cases.
D. Decreased platelets: Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) can result from viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow disorders. While they may be altered in sepsis, they are not a reliable or primary marker of a typical bacterial infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has an open compound fracture of the humerus: This injury requires surgical intervention and has a moderate to high risk of complications. It is typically classified as yellow, indicating delayed care is acceptable but not minor.
B. A client who has multiple facial lacerations: These are superficial injuries that can be treated with simple wound care and suturing. The client is likely stable and ambulatory, fitting the criteria for a green tag, which denotes minor injuries requiring minimal care.
C. A client who has a puncture wound in the right lower lung: This suggests potential internal injury and respiratory compromise. Such a case is urgent and unstable, requiring immediate intervention, and would be tagged red for immediate treatment.
D. A client who has full-thickness burns over the lower extremities: Full-thickness burns covering a large area are life-threatening and resource-intensive to manage. Depending on the extent, this may fall under red or black, depending on survivability and available resources.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Pale and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL: Mild pallor and a small fluid deficit are not uncommon in early stages of illness and may not require immediate intervention. However, more serious signs of dehydration would take priority for reporting.
B. Temperature 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate 124/min: These are within expected limits for an infant with mild infection or fever. While they should be monitored, they are not urgent indicators of severe complications from gastroenteritis.
C. Decreased appetite and irritability: These are common symptoms in infants with viral illnesses, including gastroenteritis. Although they affect comfort and feeding, they are not necessarily indicators of serious fluid or electrolyte imbalance.
D. Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes: These are clinical signs of moderate to severe dehydration, which is a serious complication of gastroenteritis in infants. These findings must be reported promptly for urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration.
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