A nurse is assisting in the care of a group of children on a pediatric medical surgical unit. Which of the following children should the nurse collect data from first?
A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6° C (99.7° F)
An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding
A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numb in the affected extremity
The Correct Answer is D
A. A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F): A mild temperature in the context of periorbital cellulitis is expected and not an immediate emergency. Although periorbital cellulitis can be serious, this temperature alone does not demand immediate action over other critical symptoms.
B. An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: A headache with influenza is common and requires monitoring, but unless there are signs of severe neurological involvement, it is not the highest priority compared to potential circulatory compromise.
C. An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding: Mild vomiting or spitting up is common following a pyloromyotomy and is not unusual within the first 24 hours postoperatively. It generally does not require immediate intervention unless persistent or worsening.
D. A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numbness in the affected extremity: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, a sign of possible compartment syndrome. This is a surgical emergency that can result in permanent damage if not promptly assessed and treated.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth: Emergency cesarean delivery is indicated in cases of fetal distress or placenta previa with severe bleeding at term. In a hydatidiform mole, there is no viable fetus, and the priority is evacuation of the molar tissue rather than delivery by cesarean section.
- Prepare the client for suction curettage: Suction curettage is the treatment of choice for a hydatidiform mole. It allows for the complete evacuation of abnormal trophoblastic tissue, preventing complications such as severe hemorrhage and progression to malignant gestational trophoblastic disease.
- Anticipate a prescription for methotrexate: Methotrexate is primarily used to treat ectopic pregnancies or persistent gestational trophoblastic disease after a molar pregnancy, not for initial management. Immediate evacuation of the mole by suction curettage is the first-line intervention for this client.
- Remind the client that weekly blood tests are needed to measure pregnancy hormone: Following a molar pregnancy, weekly beta-hCG tests are critical to monitor for residual trophoblastic tissue or the development of choriocarcinoma. A declining beta-hCG confirms the resolution of disease, while a plateau or rise indicates persistent disease.
- Administer terbutaline: Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication used to relax the uterus in cases of preterm labor. In the case of a hydatidiform mole, uterine evacuation is necessary rather than uterine relaxation, making terbutaline inappropriate for this situation.
- Vaginal bleeding: Clients with a hydatidiform mole are at risk for significant vaginal bleeding due to the abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue. Monitoring the amount and type of vaginal bleeding helps detect hemorrhage or retained molar tissue requiring urgent intervention.
- Blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a potential complication of hydatidiform mole, similar to preeclampsia, and can occur even in the first or second trimester. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect worsening hypertensive symptoms early.
- Uterus for hypertonicity: Hypertonicity of the uterus is typically monitored in cases of labor or uterine rupture concerns. In a hydatidiform mole, the uterus is distended by abnormal tissue but hypertonicity is not a primary concern needing monitoring in this condition.
- Unilateral pelvic pain: Unilateral pelvic pain is more characteristic of ectopic pregnancy rather than a molar pregnancy. In hydatidiform mole, generalized uterine enlargement and discomfort are more typical, so unilateral pelvic pain is not a focus for this client.
- Cervical dilation per provider: Cervical dilation is not the main indicator of progress or concern with a molar pregnancy. The focus is on removing molar tissue and monitoring beta-hCG levels, not on the progress of cervical changes like in labor.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
- Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is administered to pregnant clients at risk of preterm delivery to promote fetal lung maturity. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks and signs of severe preeclampsia, administering corticosteroids is critical to prepare for potential early delivery.
- Monitor intake and output every hour: Severe preeclampsia can impair renal function, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. Hourly monitoring of intake and output helps detect early signs of renal compromise and fluid overload, both of which require immediate intervention.
- Assist RN with performing a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Vaginal examinations are avoided in cases of severe preeclampsia unless absolutely necessary because they can stimulate uterine contractions or introduce infection. Therefore, routinely assisting every 12 hours with vaginal exams is not appropriate in this client's plan of care.
- Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection assesses the degree of proteinuria and provides a clearer diagnostic picture of the severity of preeclampsia. Quantifying protein excretion helps guide clinical management and decisions about timing of delivery.
- Provide a low-stimulation environment: A calm, quiet environment minimizes the risk of seizure activity in clients with severe preeclampsia. Reducing auditory, visual, and environmental stimulation is a standard preventative measure to decrease neurological irritability.
- Give antihypertensive medication: Severe hypertension must be promptly treated to prevent complications like stroke, placental abruption, and progression to eclampsia. Administering antihypertensive therapy helps stabilize maternal blood pressure and protects both maternal and fetal health.
- Maintain bedrest: Bedrest helps reduce blood pressure and physical stress, promoting better perfusion to the placenta. Although strict bedrest is controversial long-term, short-term bedrest is often used in severe preeclampsia management while stabilization measures are implemented.
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