A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Sodium 142 mEq/L
Urine specific gravity 1.025
Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
Blood glucose 110 mg/Dl
The Correct Answer is C
A. Sodium 142 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for sodium (135-145 mEq/L) and does not indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
B. Urine specific gravity 1.025: This value is on the higher end of the normal range for urine specific gravity (1.010-1.030) and indicates concentration of urine, which can occur in mild dehydration. It is not critical but indicates the need for monitoring.
C. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: This is below the normal range for potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues and muscle weakness. It is a priority to correct this imbalance to prevent complications.
D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL: This is within the normal range for blood glucose levels (70-110 mg/dL) for children and does not indicate an immediate concern related to dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gently reinsert the tubes. Tympanostomy tubes should not be reinserted by the parent. Inserting the tubes requires medical expertise and should be performed by a healthcare professional to avoid damaging the ear.
B. Call the health care clinic to report that the tubes have fallen out. This is the correct action. The healthcare provider needs to be informed to assess if new tubes are necessary. Tubes may naturally fall out as part of the healing process, but professional evaluation is essential to determine the next steps.
C. Reassure the mother that the tubes will not fall out. It is incorrect to reassure the parent that the tubes will not fall out. Tubes can fall out naturally as the eardrum heals, and parents should be prepared for this possibility and know the appropriate steps to take.
D. Take the child to an emergency department. This is generally not necessary unless there are signs of complications such as severe pain, infection, or significant hearing loss. Routine follow-up at the clinic is sufficient for a non-emergency situation like a tube falling out.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ribbon Like, foul-smelling stools: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a lack of nerve cells in parts of the colon, leading to obstruction and resulting in narrow, ribbon-like stools due to the passage through a narrowed section of bowel.
B. Chronic hunger: This is not typical for Hirschsprung disease. Children may actually have a poor appetite due to discomfort and constipation.
C. Projectile vomiting: Projectile vomiting is more commonly associated with pyloric stenosis, not Hirschsprung disease.
D. Rigid abdomen: While abdominal distention can occur due to severe constipation and fecal impaction, a rigid abdomen is more indicative of a more acute or severe abdominal condition, such as peritonitis or severe bowel obstruction.
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