A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who has epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) The child is unable to skate with good balance.
At 4 years old, a child’s balance and coordination are still developing. While skating requires more advanced skills, a child not having good balance at this age is not typically a concern unless other motor skills are delayed. Skating is not an expected milestone for a 4-year-old.

B) The child is unable to jump rope.
Jumping rope is a more complex skill that typically develops later, closer to ages 5 or 6, so the inability to do so at age 4 is not a cause for concern. It is a skill that requires fine motor coordination, balance, and timing, which may not be fully developed at this age.

C) The child is unable to walk downstairs on alternating feet.
At 4 years old, children are expected to be able to walk downstairs using alternating feet (one foot on each step). If a child cannot perform this task, it may indicate a delay in gross motor development, specifically in coordination and balance. This is a developmental milestone that typically emerges by age 4 and should be reported to the physical therapist for further evaluation.

D) The child is unable to walk backwards from heel to toe.
Walking backwards from heel to toe is a more advanced skill that typically develops later in childhood. This skill is not expected at age 4, so the child’s inability to do so is not a red flag for developmental concerns. It is more appropriate for older children.

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require blood transfusion as evidenced by the client’s low hemoglobin and low hematocrit.

Rationale:

(i)

B. Blood transfusion: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss. A blood transfusion may be necessary to restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and prevent further hemodynamic instability.

(ii)

C. Low hemoglobin: A hemoglobin level below normal indicates blood loss, likely from a bleeding peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for intervention to prevent further complications such as hypoxia or shock.

F. Low hematocrit: A low hematocrit confirms anemia and blood volume depletion. This finding, along with the client's symptoms and history of dark, tarry stools, further supports the need for a blood transfusion.

Incorrect:

(i)

A. Proton pump inhibitor therapy: While PPIs are essential for ulcer management, they do not immediately address acute blood loss

C. Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are needed to eradicate H. pylori, but they are not the primary intervention for anemia.

D. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if bleeding is severe and refractory to medical management.

E. Intravenous fluid resuscitation: IV fluids can help stabilize blood pressure but do not directly correct anemia.

(ii)

A. Elevated white blood cell count: The client’s WBC count is normal, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

B. Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori is the likely cause of the ulcer, this result does not directly indicate the need for a blood transfusion.

D. Epigastric tenderness: This is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but does not directly relate to the need for a blood transfusion.

E. Dark, tarry stools: While indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, the direct lab evidence of anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) is more critical in determining the need for transfusion.