A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old toddler who has dehydration.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sodium 142 mEq/L.
Respiratory rate 22/min.
Potassium 3.9 mEq/L.
Heart rate 148/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Discussing the suspicion of physical abuse with the provider is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. However, this should be done after the matter is reported to child protection services.
- B. Confronting the parents with the suspicion of physical abuse is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it can escalate the situation and endanger the child or the nurse.
- C. Asking the hospital security to detain and question the parents is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it violates the parents' rights and may interfere with the legal process.
- D.Contacting Child Protective Services is appropriate action for the nurse to take at this point as it is the nurse's legal responsibility to do so.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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Out of the provided options, the most important information for the nurse to include in the change-of-shift report is:
c. The time of the client's last dose of pain medication
Here's why:
- a. The frequency in which the client presses the call button:While this could be relevant to assess the client's overall well-being or potential anxiety, it's not as crucial as pain management in this specific scenario.
- b. The client's most recent ventilator settings:Since the client is already weaned from ventilation, this information is no longer pertinent.
- d. The last time the provider evaluated the client:While provider updates are important, especially after major procedures like a pneumonectomy, knowing the exact timing isn't as critical as pain management, especially considering the potential for increased pain after surgery and weaning from ventilation.
- c. The time of the client's last dose of pain medication:Pain management is paramount after a pneumonectomy. Knowing the timing of the last dose allows the receiving nurse to assess the need for further medication and potential for breakthrough pain management. Additionally, it provides a baseline for monitoring pain trends and potential complications related to pain, such as decreased mobility or respiratory compromise.
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Therefore, while all the information listed could be relevant at some point, knowing the time of the last pain medication dose is the most crucial for immediate patient care and should be prioritized in the change-of-shift report for a post-pneumonectomy client transitioning from ICU to the medical floor.
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