A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old child on the pediatric unit.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The nurse should plan to
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Rationale for correct choices
• Inspect the child's oropharynx: Vomiting bright red emesis after tonsillectomy indicates possible postoperative hemorrhage. Immediate inspection of the oropharynx allows the nurse to assess the source, amount, and severity of bleeding. Prompt identification of bleeding is critical to prevent hypovolemic shock and guide urgent interventions.
• Obtaining a set of vital signs: Vital signs provide objective data about the child’s hemodynamic status. Tachycardia, hypotension, or altered respiratory rate may indicate significant blood loss. Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation helps determine the urgency of treatment and guides fluid resuscitation or other emergency measures.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Place the child in a supine position: Placing the child supine could worsen bleeding or increase the risk of aspiration if emesis occurs. Standard care is to maintain the child upright or sitting forward to allow drainage and minimize airway compromise. Supine positioning is not appropriate immediately after post-tonsillectomy bleeding.
• Offer the child a red popsicle: Red-colored foods or drinks can mask the presence of ongoing bleeding, delaying recognition of hemorrhage. It is unsafe to offer red popsicles until bleeding is ruled out and the child is stable. Non-red liquids or clear fluids are safer during assessment.
• Encouraging the child to cough and deep breathe: While coughing and deep breathing are important for postoperative respiratory care, they are contraindicated if active bleeding is suspected. Coughing could dislodge clots and exacerbate hemorrhage. Airway safety and hemodynamic assessment take priority.
• Requesting a prescription for codeine: Administering codeine for pain is inappropriate in the presence of suspected bleeding because opioids can mask symptoms and depress respirations. Pain management should be secondary to stabilization and assessment of hemorrhage risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Paradoxical chest movement: Paradoxical chest movement is typically associated with flail chest, where multiple rib fractures cause a segment of the chest wall to move in the opposite direction during breathing. It is not a characteristic finding of tension pneumothorax, which involves intrathoracic pressure buildup rather than rib instability.
B. Bilateral crackles: Bilateral crackles are usually indicative of fluid in the alveoli, such as in pulmonary edema or pneumonia. Tension pneumothorax generally causes decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side, not crackles, due to lung collapse.
C. Asymmetry of the chest: Tension pneumothorax often causes visible asymmetry of the chest because the affected side may appear distended while the other side may appear sunken. The increased intrathoracic pressure pushes mediastinal structures toward the unaffected side, making chest asymmetry a hallmark sign.
D. Blood-tinged sputum: Blood-tinged sputum is more commonly seen with pulmonary infections, trauma to the airway, or pulmonary embolism. It is not a primary manifestation of tension pneumothorax, which is primarily characterized by respiratory distress and unilateral findings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Suction the client every 2 hr: Frequent suctioning can increase intracranial pressure due to stimulation of the airway and coughing reflex. Suctioning should be performed only when necessary and with careful monitoring of ICP, rather than routinely every 2 hours.
B. Maintain ICP at 20 mm Hg: Normal ICP ranges from 5 to 15 mm Hg. An ICP of 20 mm Hg or higher indicates increased intracranial pressure and requires intervention. Planning to maintain ICP at this elevated level is unsafe and not appropriate for care planning.
C. Avoid overstimulation of the client: Minimizing noise, unnecessary procedures, and environmental stimuli helps prevent spikes in ICP. Overstimulation can increase cerebral metabolic demand and worsen intracranial hypertension, so this intervention supports ICP management and neurologic stability.
D. Keep the client in a supine position: Supine positioning can impair venous drainage from the brain, potentially increasing ICP. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees while maintaining spinal precautions is preferred to promote venous outflow and reduce intracranial pressure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.