A nurse is caring for a child who is in a halo vest for cervical traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Show the child's parent how to release tension on the bars.
Remove the vest for the child to sleep at night.
Check the child's pupillary response.
Apply a cervical collar if the child reports neck pain.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Show the child's parent how to release tension on the bars: The tension on the halo vest is adjusted by the healthcare provider, not by the parent. The nurse should not instruct the parent to release tension, as improper adjustments can lead to complications.
B. Remove the vest for the child to sleep at night: The halo vest should remain in place at all times, including during sleep, to maintain proper cervical traction and stabilization. Removing it may interfere with the healing process and cause further injury.
C. Check the child's pupillary response: Monitoring the pupillary response is important in a child with cervical traction to assess for any neurological changes. It helps identify signs of increased intracranial pressure or other neurological complications.
D. Apply a cervical collar if the child reports neck pain: The halo vest itself is designed to stabilize the neck, and the application of a cervical collar without provider guidance could interfere with the proper use of the traction system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A blood pressure of 95/58 mm Hg can be within an acceptable range for an infant and is not typically a cause for concern in a 2-month-old.
B. A respiratory rate of 18/min is abnormally low for a 2-month-old infant. Infants normally have a respiratory rate of about 30–60/min, and a low rate may indicate respiratory depression or other serious issues that should be reported promptly.
C. A temperature of 37.4° C (99.3°F) is within the expected range for an infant and does not indicate fever.
D. A heart rate of 160/min is within the normal range for a young infant, especially when awake or active.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temperature: A temperature of 38.6°C (101.5°F) is elevated, but fever is a common symptom of bacterial pneumonia. It is important to monitor, but it is not the most critical finding in this case.
B. Skin condition: Hives and flushing could be signs of an allergic reaction to medication, but this is not immediately life-threatening. The nurse should report it, but the priority in this case is the oxygen saturation, which reflects the patient's respiratory status.
C. Oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation of 93% is below the typical threshold of 95-100% and indicates mild hypoxemia. In a patient with bacterial pneumonia, low oxygen saturation signify worsening respiratory function. This requires immediate attention and reporting.
D. Lung sounds: Coarse crackles in the right lower lobe are expected in pneumonia due to lung consolidation. While it is important to monitor lung sounds, the priority is addressing the oxygen saturation level, which is directly related to the patient's ability to breathe effectively.
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.