A nurse is caring for a 10-month-old child who was brought to the emergency department by his parents following a head injury.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Assess respiratory status.
Inspect for fluid leaking from the ears.
Examine the scalp for lacerations.
Check pupil reactions.
The Correct Answer is A
The first action the nurse should take is to assess the respiratory status of the infant.
After a head injury, it is important to ensure that the child’s airway is clear and that they are breathing adequately.
This is a crucial step in providing care for a patient with a head injury.
Choice B is wrong because inspecting for fluid leaking from the ears is not the first priority.
Choice C is wrong because examining the scalp for lacerations is not the first priority.
Choice D is wrong because checking pupil reactions is not the first priority.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should initiate droplet isolation precautions when admitting a child who has acute epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis is commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Choice A is wrong because obtaining a throat culture is not recommended when epiglottitis is suspected, as it can cause further obstruction of the airway.
Choice C is wrong because assisting the child into a supine position can worsen the airway obstruction.
Children with epiglottitis prefer to sit upright with the chin extended and mouth open.
Choice D is wrong because checking oxygen saturation every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for a child with acute epiglottitis who may require continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A 24-gauge catheter is the smallest-gauge catheter and is appropriate for administering IV fluids and medications to an infant.
Choice B is wrong because an opaque dressing would prevent the nurse from visualizing the insertion site.
Choice C is wrong because starting an IV in an infant’s foot can be painful and difficult to secure.
Choice D is wrong because IV sites should be changed every 72-96 hours or according to facility policy.
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