A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a toddler.

 

Exhibits

For each assessment finding below, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with Crohn's disease, appendicitis, or intussusception. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, indicating hypotension. This can signal volume depletion or active bleeding, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent shock or organ hypoperfusion.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL and hematocrit of 27% indicate significant anemia, likely from gastrointestinal blood loss. Immediate follow-up is necessary to determine the source and provide interventions such as fluid resuscitation or transfusion.
• Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 118/min, demonstrating tachycardia. This may be compensatory for hypotension or blood loss, suggesting hemodynamic instability and requiring prompt monitoring and intervention.
• Stool results: Positive hemoccult indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which aligns with anemia and tachycardia. Identifying and managing the bleeding source is a priority to prevent further complications.
• Current medication: The client takes high-dose ibuprofen (800 mg three times daily), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to the client’s current presentation and requiring immediate provider notification.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Temperature: The client’s temperature is 37.5° C (99.5° F), slightly elevated but not indicative of infection or immediate risk. Monitoring is appropriate but not urgent.
• WBC count: WBC is 6,700/mm³, within normal limits, indicating no current infection or acute inflammatory response. This does not require immediate follow-up.
• Respiratory rate: Respiratory rate is 18/min, within normal limits for an adult, and does not indicate acute respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is not necessary.

A. Speech-language pathologist: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders (dysphagia). They can assess the client’s swallowing ability, recommend appropriate diet modifications, and provide strategies to reduce choking risk.

B. Social worker: Social workers provide support for psychosocial needs, discharge planning, and community resources, but they do not assess or manage swallowing difficulties. Referral to a social worker may be appropriate for broader care needs but not for dysphagia.

C. Respiratory therapist: Respiratory therapists focus on airway management, ventilation, and pulmonary function. While they can assist if aspiration leads to respiratory complications, they do not primarily assess swallowing function.

D. Occupational therapist: Occupational therapists help clients with activities of daily living and adaptive equipment. Although they may assist with feeding techniques or positioning, they are not specialized in assessing or treating swallowing disorders.