A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who is postoperative following tetralogy of Fallot correction. Which of the following manifestations indicates the child is possibly experiencing decreased cardiac output?
Extremities warm to touch.
Capillary refill 2 seconds.
Blood pressure 112/66 mm Hg.
Diminished pulses.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Extremities warm to the touch. This manifestation is not indicative of decreased cardiac output. Warm extremities suggest adequate peripheral perfusion and circulation. In a child with decreased cardiac output, the body might attempt to shunt blood away from the extremities to prioritize vital organs, leading to cooler extremities.
Choice B rationale:
Capillary refill 2 seconds. A capillary refill time of 2 seconds is within the normal range for a preschool-aged child. This quick capillary refill suggests adequate circulation and is not a sign of decreased cardiac output. Prolonged capillary refill time might be indicative of poor peripheral perfusion.
Choice C rationale:
Blood pressure 112/66 mm Hg. While a blood pressure of 112/66 mm Hg might be within the normal range for a preschooler, it is not the most reliable indicator of decreased cardiac output. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and a seemingly normal blood pressure does not rule out decreased cardiac output if other manifestations are present.
Choice D rationale:
Diminished pulses. This is the correct choice. Diminished or weak pulses are indicative of decreased cardiac output. Inadequate blood volume being pumped by the heart can lead to reduced peripheral perfusion, resulting in diminished pulses. This sign is important in assessing the child's cardiovascular status postoperatively, especially after a corrective procedure for tetralogy of Fallot.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lethargy, or extreme fatigue and sluggishness, is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs due to an underactive thyroid gland, which leads to a decrease in metabolic activity and energy levels. Children with hypothyroidism often exhibit lethargy, weakness, and a lack of interest in activities. This is due to the reduced metabolic rate and overall slowing down of bodily functions.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea is not a common finding associated with hypothyroidism. In fact, hypothyroidism tends to slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation rather than diarrhea. Therefore, diarrhea is not expected as a symptom in a child with hypothyroidism.
Choice C rationale:
Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, is not typically associated with hypothyroidism. Instead, hypothyroidism often leads to bradycardia (a slower-than-normal heart rate) due to the overall slowing of the body's metabolic processes.
Choice D rationale:
Hirsutism, which refers to excessive hair growth in areas where hair growth is typically seen in males, is not a common finding in hypothyroidism. Hirsutism is more commonly associated with hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rather than hypothyroidism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the infant in a supine position during naps might not be the best action for an infant with heart failure. In heart failure, infants often experience difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Placing the infant in a more upright position, such as semi-Fowler's, can help alleviate some of this respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Feeding the infant a bottle every 4 hours is important, but it might not directly address the immediate concerns of an infant with heart failure. Infants with heart failure might have difficulty feeding due to fatigue and respiratory distress. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and assessing the infant's feeding tolerance is crucial.
Choice C rationale:
Correct Answer. Documenting the infant's respiratory rate every 2 hours is an important action. Infants with heart failure often have respiratory distress and an increased respiratory rate, as the body tries to compensate for decreased cardiac output. Documenting the respiratory rate will help the healthcare team monitor the infant's condition and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Withholding digoxin if the infant's heart rate is greater than 100/min is not necessarily the correct action. Digoxin is a medication commonly used in heart failure to improve cardiac contractility. While it's important to monitor the infant's heart rate, a heart rate of greater than 100/min might be due to the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to heart failure. Withholding the medication without consulting a healthcare provider might not be appropriate.
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