A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who has a fever and fluid-filled vesicles on the trunk and extremities. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?
Apply topical calamine lotion.
Encourage oral fluids.
Administer acetaminophen as an antipyretic
Initiate transmission-based precautions
The Correct Answer is D
Initiate transmission-based precautions.
Rationale:
- B- Encouraging oral fluids is an important intervention for a child who has a fever, as it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. However, it is not the priority intervention, as it does not address the risk of infection transmission to other clients or staff.
- A - Applying topical calamine lotion may help soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the vesicles, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
- C - Administering acetaminophen as an antipyretic may help reduce the fever and provide symptomatic relief for the child, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
- D - Initiating transmission-based precautions is the priority intervention, as it protects other clients and staff from exposure to the infectious agent that causes the vesicles and fever. The nurse should wear gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when caring for the child, and place them in a private room or cohort them with other clients who have similar symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Droplet.
The rationale for each choice is as follows:
- A. Droplet: Correct. Pneumonia is transmitted by respiratory droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. The nurse should wear a surgical mask and eye protection when caring for the client and maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from the client.
- B. Airborne: Incorrect. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted by small particles that remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. The nurse should wear a respirator and place the client in a negative-pressure room.
- C. Contact: Incorrect. Contact precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the client or the client's environment, such as Clostridium difficile, scabies, or MRSA. The nurse should wear gloves and a gown and use dedicated equipment for the client.
- D. Protective environment: Incorrect. Protective environment precautions are used for clients who are immunocompromised and at risk of infection from others, such as clients who have had a stem cell transplant or are receiving chemotherapy. The nurse should wear a mask, gloves, and a gown and place the client in a positive-pressure room with HEPA filtration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
- B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
- C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
- D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.
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