A nurse is assisting in the care of a child who is receiving IV cefuroxime when the child begins to have difficulty breathing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain vital signs.
Stop the IV infusion.
Administer epinephrine IM.
Monitor intake and output.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Obtaining vital signs is essential in assessing the child's overall condition, but it is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation. The priority is to address the immediate concern of difficulty breathing.
Choice B reason:
Stopping the IV infusion is the most critical action the nurse should take first. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction, and if it is related to the IV cefuroxime, stopping the infusion will prevent further administration of the medication and possibly worsening the reaction.
Choice C reason:
Administering epinephrine IM is not the first-line action in this scenario. Epinephrine is used in severe anaphylactic reactions, but it should not be given without a proper evaluation of the situation and a clear indication for its use.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring intake and output is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority when the child is experiencing difficulty breathing. Addressing the respiratory distress should be the initial focus to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale that involves a straight line with one end representing "no pain” and the other end representing "worst pain imaginable.” The individual marks a point on the line to indicate their pain level. This scale may not be suitable for a 3-year-old child as it requires a certain level of cognitive and numerical understanding to make a meaningful assessment, which a young child may not possess.
Choice B reason:
The FACES pain rating scale is a visual tool that uses a series of facial expressions ranging from smiling to crying to help individuals, especially children, express their pain level. A 3-year-old child can easily point to the facial expression that best matches their pain experience, making it a suitable choice for this age group.
Choice C reason:
The Word-Graphic Scale is a pain rating scale that combines verbal descriptors with a visual representation of the pain intensity. It may include words like "no pain,” "mild pain,” "moderate pain,” and "severe pain” along with corresponding symbols. While it can be used with children, a 3-year-old might have difficulty grasping the abstract nature of the scale and correlating words with pain levels.
Choice D reason:
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) requires the individual to rate their pain level on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being "no pain” and 10 being "worst pain.” Similar to the Visual Analog Scale, this scale might not be suitable for a 3-year-old child who may not fully understand abstract numerical concepts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"I will reinforce the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat.".
Choice A reason:
Placing a heat pack on the patch to improve adhesion is not recommended. Heat can potentially increase the absorption of the medication and lead to adverse effects. Applying additional heat to the patch can be dangerous and may cause an overdose or other complications.
Choice B reason:
Placing the patch on the back side of the child's arm is not the correct application site for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. The appropriate site for application is typically the hip or the top of the buttocks. The back of the arm may not provide proper absorption and can result in suboptimal medication delivery.
Choice C reason:
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Reinforcing the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat is a recommended step to ensure proper adhesion of the patch. If the edges of the patch lift or don't stick properly, using clear tape can help keep the patch securely in place, ensuring continuous and consistent drug delivery.
Choice D reason:
Leaving the patch in place for no more than 9 hours is incorrect. The duration of wear for a methylphenidate transdermal patch varies depending on the specific brand and formulation. Typically, these patches are designed for 9 to 12 hours of wear, and leaving them on for a shorter duration may result in inadequate symptom control.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.