A nurse is assisting with the care of an infant who has heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the infant in a supine position during naps.
Feed the infant a bottle every 4 hr.
Document the infant's respiratory rate every 2 hr.
Withhold digoxin if the infant's heart rate is greater than 100/min.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pain following range-of-motion exercises is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider. It could indicate the possibility of complications, such as further injury or impaired healing. Adolescents with fractured bones are often encouraged to perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. However, increased pain during or after these exercises could indicate problems like muscle strain or improper alignment of the fracture, which need to be addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Pruritus (itching) under the cast is common and can be expected due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sweat. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it's not an urgent concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Strategies to alleviate itching, such as using a cool blow dryer under the cast, can be taught to the client.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent is a normal response to gravity and is not an alarming finding. Swelling when the extremity is dependent is expected, especially within the initial stages of fracture healing. It suggests that the blood supply is reaching the area for healing purposes. Elevation and rest can help reduce the swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Coolness of the toes could be due to reduced blood flow, but this finding alone may not be an immediate concern. It's essential to consider the client's overall circulation, capillary refill, and presence of pulses. If other signs of impaired circulation, such as pallor or delayed capillary refill, are present along with coolness, it might indicate compromised vascular supply. However, based on the information provided, this choice is not as urgent as reporting pain following range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ensuring the infant bottle feeds for 45 minutes is not recommended for an infant with heart failure. Prolonged feeding sessions can lead to increased fatigue and stress on the infant's cardiovascular system, exacerbating the heart failure symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Administering digoxin for a pulse of 70/min is not appropriate. Digoxin is commonly used in heart failure cases to improve cardiac contractility and reduce heart rate. However, giving digoxin solely based on the heart rate without considering other factors can lead to potential overdose and adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Allowing for frequent rest periods is crucial in the plan of care for an infant with heart failure. Infants with heart failure often experience fatigue and difficulty feeding due to compromised cardiac function. Allowing them to rest between activities helps conserve energy and supports their overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the infant in a supine position is not the best choice for an infant with heart failure. While the supine position is recommended for safe sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it may not be optimal for an infant with heart failure. An inclined position may be more suitable to alleviate potential respiratory distress.
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.