A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing profuse vomiting.

Upon admission, the client's vital signs were within the expected reference range, but now the client's blood pressure is 86/58 mm Hg, his pulse is 114/min and weak, and his respiratory rate is 27/min.

The client appears restless and anxious and states that he thinks he is dying.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale

A guardian's statement that a child fell off a swing is a common and plausible explanation for a fractured arm. This type of injury is consistent with the normal activities of a preschooler, and it does not inherently suggest abuse. The nurse should continue with a thorough physical assessment and gather additional history, but this statement alone is not a red flag.

Choice B rationale

Crying loudly when a fractured arm is moved is a normal, expected reaction to pain. The child is experiencing acute pain from the injury, and any movement of the affected limb would cause a significant increase in discomfort. This is not a warning sign of maltreatment but rather a natural physiological response to a painful stimulus.

Choice C rationale

A guardian wanting to accompany a child to the radiology department is a typical and often protective behavior. Many parents wish to provide emotional support to their child during stressful medical procedures. This action demonstrates parental involvement and concern for the child's well-being and is not indicative of abuse or neglect.

Choice D rationale

A delay in seeking medical care for a significant injury, such as a fractured arm, is a major red flag for child maltreatment. This delay suggests that the guardian may be attempting to hide the cause of the injury or is neglectful of the child's health needs. Timely medical attention for a painful injury is the standard of care. .

Choice A rationale

A dosimeter is used to measure the amount of radiation exposure for the healthcare professional, not the client. It is a personal radiation-monitoring device that provides a record of an individual's accumulated dose of ionizing radiation. Attaching a dosimeter to the client's gown is an inappropriate intervention as the client is the source of the radiation, and the dosimeter is designed to protect the healthcare worker by monitoring their exposure.

Choice B rationale

Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source close to the tumor. To minimize the radiation exposure of others, a safe distance is maintained. A distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the source of radiation is a standard safety measure for visitors and healthcare staff. This inverse square law principle of radiation safety dictates that intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source, so increasing distance significantly reduces exposure.

Choice C rationale

When a client is undergoing brachytherapy, it is essential to limit the amount of time visitors spend in close proximity. The typical time limit for visitors is 30 minutes per day, not 2 hours. This is a crucial radiation safety measure that adheres to the principle of "Time, Distance, and Shielding.”. Limiting the time of exposure directly reduces the total radiation dose received by the visitor, thereby minimizing potential harm from the radiation source.

Choice D rationale

For a client undergoing brachytherapy, there is a risk that the radioactive implant could be dislodged and expelled from the body. Therefore, straining the client's urine is a critical intervention. This allows the nurse to inspect for and retrieve the implant if it has been inadvertently expelled, ensuring it is not lost and that appropriate safety protocols for handling radioactive materials are followed. This also prevents potential radiation exposure to others. *.