A nurse is assessing a child who has rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx. What is an expected finding for this malignancy?

The correct answer is: B

Choice A reason: Determining if the child is having pain is important, but it is not the immediate priority. Pain assessment will help in managing the child’s comfort and can provide additional information about the condition. However, in the case of Wilms tumor, which is a common kidney cancer in children, the priority is to prevent any action that could potentially cause tumor spillage or spread.

Choice B reason: Instructing the parent to avoid pressing on the abdominal area is the priority action. Wilms tumor can rupture with pressure, which can lead to the spread of cancer cells. It is crucial to minimize handling of the tumor to prevent tumor spillage into the abdominal cavity.

Choice C reason: Scheduling the child for an abdominal ultrasound is a necessary diagnostic step, but it is not the immediate priority. The ultrasound will help in assessing the size and extent of the tumor, but the first action should be to ensure that the tumor is not disturbed.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a urine specimen for analysis is important for diagnosing the cause of the hematuria (blood in the urine), which is a common symptom of Wilms tumor. However, this is not the immediate priority compared to preventing potential harm to the child by avoiding pressure on the abdominal area.

Choice A reason: Administering antibiotic therapy is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can treat the possible bacterial infection that is causing the fever, anorexia, and shortness of breath. The client may have developed infective endocarditis, a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can lead to heart failure or stroke. Antibiotic therapy can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of mortality.

Choice B reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help diagnose the presence and severity of infective endocarditis. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It can show if there is any damage to the heart valves, vegetation (clumps of bacteria and cells) on the valves, or signs of heart failure.

Choice C reason: Obtaining blood cultures x3 is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help identify the causative organism of the infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures are samples of blood that are taken from different sites and times and tested for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms. They can confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and determine the sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria to different antibiotics.

Choice D reason: Restricting dental hygiene is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can worsen the oral health and increase the risk of infection. Dental hygiene is important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbor bacteria and cause dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These conditions can increase the risk of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) and infective endocarditis. The nurse should teach the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing.

Choice E reason: Performing a strenuous exercise regimen twice a day is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can increase the cardiac workload and exacerbate the symptoms of infective endocarditis. Strenuous exercise can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and fatigue, which can worsen the condition of the heart and the valves. The nurse should advise the client to avoid strenuous exercise and limit physical activity to a level that does not cause symptoms.