A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Answer: B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours.

Rationale:

• A. Warm the skin prior to probe placement:While cold fingers can lead to inaccurate readings,warming the skin is not an essential step and is not routinely recommended in clinical practice.
• B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours:This iscorrect.Continuous pressure from the probe in one spot can cause skin breakdown and pressure injuries.Repositioning the probe every 2 hours helps to prevent this and ensure accurate readings.
• C. Tape the wire to the palm of the hand:This is incorrect.The pulse oximeter probe should be placed on a vascular site,such as a fingertip or earlobe.Taping the wire to the palm would not provide accurate readings.
• D. Apply the sensor to the index fingernail:This is incorrect.The fingernail does not have sufficient blood flow for accurate pulse oximetry readings.The probe should be placed on the fleshy pad of the fingertip.

Therefore, the most important action for the nurse to take is to reposition the probe every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown and ensure accurate readings.

Additional Points:

• The nurse should also choose a clean and dry site for probe placement.
• The probe should be snug but not too tight.
• The nurse should monitor the child for signs of skin breakdown,such as redness,swelling,or pain.
• If the child is restless or active,the nurse may need to secure the probe with additional tape or a special wrap.

Choice A rationale:
Implementing fluid restrictions is not recommended for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is characterized by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and fluid replacement is a crucial aspect of its management. Restricting fluids could worsen dehydration and hinder the correction of metabolic imbalances.
Choice B rationale:
(Correct Choice) Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is an important intervention for a school-age child with DKA. Vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, provide valuable information about the child's overall condition, fluid status, and response to treatment. More frequent monitoring might be necessary during the acute phase of DKA.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating continuous cardiac monitoring is not typically indicated for a school-age child with DKA. While DKA can have effects on the cardiovascular system, continuous cardiac monitoring is reserved for more critical situations where immediate changes in heart rhythm need to be detected.
Choice D rationale:
Administering subcutaneous insulin 30 minutes before meals is not appropriate for a child with DKA. In DKA management, insulin is typically administered intravenously to achieve more precise control over blood glucose levels. Subcutaneous insulin might not provide the rapid and consistent action needed to address the acute hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis in DKA.