A nurse is assisting in the care of a client.

Exhibits

Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

Potential Condition:

Kawasaki disease: The child presents with prolonged fever, mucocutaneous changes (cracked lips, red tongue), extremity changes (edema, peeling skin), cervical lymphadenopathy, and elevated inflammatory markers (WBC, ESR, CRP, and platelets), all of which are consistent with Kawasaki disease.

Actions to Take

Administer IVIG: IVIG is the primary treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent coronary artery aneurysms.

Administer high-dose aspirin: Used in the acute phase to reduce inflammation and fever and in the subacute phase to prevent clot formation.

Parameters to Monitor

Heart rhythm: Kawasaki disease can cause myocarditis and coronary artery aneurysms, leading to arrhythmias.

Chest discomfort: A sign of coronary artery complications, including aneurysms or ischemia.

Rationale for Incorrect Diagnoses:

Bacterial endocarditis: Does not cause peeling skin or bright red tongue. Fever would be accompanied by murmurs and a history of heart defects.

Nephrotic syndrome: Characterized by severe proteinuria, edema, and hypoalbuminemia, which are absent here.

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: Would present with recent strep infection, hematuria, hypertension, and periorbital edema, which are not mentioned.

• Assist with titrating the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at 90/60 mm Hg or above: The client has hypotension due to gastrointestinal bleeding, and blood transfusion can help restore intravascular volume. Adjusting the transfusion rate to maintain adequate perfusion is necessary.
• Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: It is necessary to document the administration of blood products, including vital signs, volume infused, and any reactions, to ensure accurate medical records.
• Assist with obtaining the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: Blood products must be obtained from the blood bank following facility protocol, ensuring proper identification and verification before administration.
• Monitor the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The client is at risk for transfusion reactions, which are most likely to occur within the first 15 minutes. Close monitoring allows for early detection and intervention.

Not Indicated:

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer's solution: The provider prescribed 0.9% sodium chloride, not lactated Ringer’s solution. Using the correct fluid is important to avoid potential electrolyte imbalances.
• Discard the blood bag in the client's trash can after the transfusion: Blood product bags must be disposed of in a biohazard container to comply with infection control policies and prevent contamination.