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 B
Explanation
A. A child with impetigo has a contagious skin infection. It would not be appropriate to room them with a preschooler who has just had surgery, as this could increase the risk of post-operative infection.
B. Correct. A child with a fractured left femur does not have a contagious condition that would pose a risk to the preschooler following Wilms' tumor removal. This would be an appropriate roommate.
C. A child with viral pneumonia has a contagious respiratory infection. This could put the preschooler at risk of developing a respiratory infection, which could be especially dangerous after surgery.
D. A child with cellulitis of the right radius has a contagious skin infection. It would not be appropriate to room them with a preschooler who has just had surgery, as this could increase the risk of post-operative infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Renal calculi (kidney stones) are not directly related to fractures of the lower
extremities. They form in the kidneys and can cause pain and other symptoms when they pass into the urinary tract.
B. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur as a complication of fractures, but it typically develops over a longer period of time than the first 24 hours after the injury.
C. This is the correct answer. Compartment syndrome is a serious complication of fractures that can occur within the first 24 hours after injury. It is characterized by
increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow, nerve compression, and tissue damage.
D. Volkmann ischemic contracture is a complication that can occur if there is prolonged or severe muscle ischemia (lack of blood flow) following a fracture. It is not typically a concern within the first 24 hours after the injury
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