A nurse is assisting with the care of a 2-year-old child.
Select the 6 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Bowel elimination
Oxygenation
Respiratory rate
Temperature
Hgb
Sodium
Blood pressure
Skin turgor
Creatinine
Correct Answer : A,D,E,G,H,I
A. Bowel elimination: The child has had six watery stools in 24 hours with confirmed Escherichia coli infection, indicating ongoing significant gastrointestinal fluid losses. Continued diarrhea increases the risk of worsening dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypovolemia, especially in a 2-year-old with limited physiologic reserves.
B. Oxygenation: Oxygen saturation has remained between 95% and 98% on room air, which is within acceptable limits for a toddler. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or hypoxemia requiring urgent intervention based on the data provided.
C. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 25–30/min falls within the upper expected range for a 2-year-old, particularly in the presence of fever. There is no indication of severe tachypnea or respiratory compromise requiring immediate follow-up.
D. Temperature: The child’s temperature increased to 38.8°C (101.8°F) on Day 2, indicating persistent or worsening infection. Ongoing fever in the setting of confirmed E. coli and dehydration increases metabolic demand and fluid loss, requiring prompt reassessment and management.
E. Hgb: Hemoglobin of 16 g/dL is elevated for age and suggests hemoconcentration secondary to dehydration. Fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea reduces plasma volume, artificially elevating hemoglobin concentration, which signals significant intravascular volume depletion.
F. Sodium: Sodium level of 136 mEq/L falls within the normal reference range. There is no current laboratory evidence of hypo- or hypernatremia requiring urgent correction.
G. Blood pressure: Blood pressure readings of 95/56–98/62 mm Hg in a toddler with ongoing fluid loss raise concern for evolving hypovolemia. Although not profoundly hypotensive, the combination of tachycardia, dehydration signs, and weight loss suggests risk for progression to hypovolemic shock.
H. Skin turgor: Delayed skin turgor and sunken eyes are classic clinical signs of moderate to severe dehydration in pediatric clients. These findings reflect decreased interstitial fluid volume and require immediate intervention to prevent further hemodynamic instability.
I. Creatinine: Creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL is elevated for a 2-year-old, indicating possible decreased renal perfusion due to dehydration. Reduced intravascular volume can impair glomerular filtration rate, placing the child at risk for acute kidney injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You can resume a regular diet 3 days after your procedure.": Most adolescents can resume their regular diet shortly after a cardiac catheterization once vital signs are stable and there are no complications. Delaying diet for 3 days is unnecessary unless the provider specifies restrictions due to other medical conditions.
B. "You can take a shower 1 day after your procedure.": Showering is generally allowed 24 hours after cardiac catheterization, provided the dressing over the insertion site remains dry and intact. This instruction promotes hygiene while minimizing the risk of infection at the puncture site.
C. "You can begin exercising 2 days after your procedure.": Physical activity is typically restricted for several days to a week after catheterization to allow the vascular access site to heal and reduce the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation. Exercising too soon could compromise site integrity.
D. "You can return to school 1 week after your procedure.": Returning to school may depend on the adolescent’s overall recovery and provider instructions. While many can resume school within a few days, the primary focus immediately after the procedure is ensuring safe hygiene and access site healing rather than full activity, making showering the first priority instruction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Poor feeding: Newborns experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) often have neurologic irritability and gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by withdrawal from in utero exposure to opioids or other substances. Poor feeding, along with vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sucking, is a common manifestation.
B. Weak cry: Infants with NAS typically have a high-pitched, shrill, or incessant cry due to central nervous system hyperactivity. A weak or soft cry is not characteristic and may suggest other neurologic conditions rather than withdrawal.
C. Hypotonia: NAS usually presents with hypertonia, jitteriness, and tremors. Hypotonia is not a typical finding; decreased muscle tone may indicate a different neurologic or metabolic disorder.
D. Absent Moro reflex: The Moro reflex is generally intact or exaggerated in infants with NAS because of increased neuromuscular irritability. An absent reflex is more consistent with severe neurologic impairment rather than substance withdrawal.
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.
