A nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide.
Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Negative doll's eye reflex
Sunken anterior fontanel
Potassium 5.1 mEq/L
Heart rate 162/min
The Correct Answer is D
A. Negative doll's eye reflex (also known as oculocephalic reflex) is a normal finding in infants. It is a reflexive movement of the eyes in the opposite direction of the head
movement.
B. A sunken anterior fontanel can indicate dehydration, which is a concern. However, in a 2-month-old with heart failure, a high heart rate (tachycardia) may indicate worsening of the heart failure and needs to be addressed promptly.
C. A potassium level of 5.1 mEq/L is within the normal range for infants. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not the priority in this situation.
D. This is the correct answer. A heart rate of 162/min in a 2-month-old infant with heart failure is elevated and requires immediate attention. It may indicate worsening heart
failure or an adverse reaction to the medication (furosemide) being administered. The nurse should assess the infant's condition, notify the healthcare provider, and intervene as necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation. While it may be beneficial in some cases of allergic reactions, it is not the first-line treatment for severe
anaphylaxis. In this situation, the priority is to address the immediate symptoms and stabilize the child's condition.
B. Administering oxygen is an important intervention, especially if the child is experiencing respiratory distress. However, in the case of severe anaphylaxis, administering epinephrine is the highest priority as it addresses multiple aspects of the reaction, including airway constriction,
low blood pressure, and hives.
C. This is the correct action. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It works rapidly to improve breathing, increase blood pressure, and reduce allergic symptoms. It is considered the most critical intervention in this situation.
D. Nebulized bronchodilators can be beneficial for respiratory distress, but they are not the first-line treatment for severe anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is more effective in rapidly reversing the
allergic reaction and stabilizing the child's condition. It addresses a broader range of symptoms in anaphylaxis compared to a bronchodilator.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dark brown blood in emesis is expected postoperatively due to swallowed blood and does not require immediate intervention.
B. A mild fever (38°C or 100°F) can occur postoperatively and is not an emergency.
C. Pain is expected after a tonsillectomy and should be managed but does not require immediate intervention.
D. Frequent swallowing may indicate active bleeding from the surgical site, which requires immediate assessment and intervention.
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