A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who has manifestations of severe dehydration and a prescription for parenteral fluid therapy. The guardian asks, "What are the indication that my baby needs an IV?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Your baby needs an IV because she is breathing slower than normal."
"Your baby needs an IV because her heart rate is decreased."
"Your baby needs an IV because her fontanels are bulging."
"Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing tears."
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. "Your baby needs an IV because she is breathing slower than normal.": Severe dehydration is more likely to cause tachypnea rather than slower breathing, as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis.
B. "Your baby needs an IV because her heart rate is decreased.": Severe dehydration in infants usually results in tachycardia due to hypovolemia. A decreased heart rate may indicate impending cardiovascular collapse, which is a late and severe sign.
C. "Your baby needs an IV because her fontanels are bulging.": Bulging fontanels suggest increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Dehydration typically causes sunken fontanels due to decreased fluid volume.
D. "Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing tears.": Absence of tears during crying is a classic sign of significant dehydration in infants. This indicates reduced fluid volume and supports the need for IV therapy to restore hydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices:
- Insert a large-bore IV catheter: A large-bore IV (18–20 gauge) is necessary to allow rapid administration of blood products and reduce hemolysis of red blood cells during transfusion. This ensures safe and effective delivery of the blood components.
- Witness the client signing a consent for transfusion: Informed consent is required before initiating a blood transfusion. The nurse ensures that the client understands the purpose, risks, and potential complications, and witnesses the signing to meet legal and ethical standards.
- Have a second nurse confirm the information on the blood lab: Verifying the blood type, crossmatch, and client identifiers with a second nurse reduces the risk of transfusion errors and ensures patient safety before starting the transfusion.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
- Explain to the client that transfusion reactions are not serious: Transfusion reactions can be serious, including hemolytic reactions, febrile reactions, or allergic responses. The nurse should educate the client on the potential risks and signs of a reaction rather than minimizing them.
- Flush the transfusion tubing with dextrose 5% in water: Blood products should only be administered with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Flushing with dextrose or other solutions can cause hemolysis and compromise the safety of the transfusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Wear a gown while providing personal hygiene: Contact precautions are required for clients with Clostridium difficile to prevent transmission via contaminated surfaces or direct contact. Wearing a gown during personal care protects the nurse’s clothing and skin from spores.
B. Place the client in a room with negative airflow: Negative airflow rooms are required for airborne infections such as tuberculosis or measles. C. difficile is spread via the fecal–oral route and does not require airborne isolation measures.
C. Apply a mask when providing care: Masks are necessary for droplet or airborne pathogens, but C. difficile spores are transmitted through direct or indirect contact, not respiratory droplets, so masks are not routinely required unless there is another indication.
D. Wipe the stethoscope with alcohol after leaving the client's room: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants. Cleaning equipment requires soap and water or a sporicidal disinfectant to effectively remove spores and prevent spread.
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