A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has acute otitis media and a new prescription for clindamycin. Which of the following findings indicates the child is experiencing an allergic reaction to the medication?
Urticaria.
Conjunctivitis.
Temperature 38°C (100.4°F).
Cool extremities.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, red, and itchy welts that can vary in size and shape. It is a classic manifestation of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can occur in response to medications like clindamycin. Urticaria is a result of histamine release and can range from mild to severe, with itching being a prominent symptom. The appearance of urticaria in a child taking clindamycin suggests a potential allergic reaction to the medication.
Choice B rationale:
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. While conjunctivitis can be associated with allergies, it is not a typical sign of an allergic reaction to clindamycin. Conjunctivitis is more commonly associated with eye irritation, redness, and discharge.
Choice C rationale:
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) alone is not a definitive sign of an allergic reaction to medication. Fever can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammatory processes, and other non-allergic reactions. While fever can be a symptom of an allergic reaction in some cases, it is not as specific as urticaria in indicating an allergic response.
Choice D rationale:
Cool extremities are not a classic sign of an allergic reaction to medication. Allergic reactions typically involve skin manifestations like hives, itching, and redness. Cool extremities might suggest poor peripheral circulation or decreased blood flow to the extremities, but they are not directly indicative of an allergic reaction to clindamycin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administer pain medication. Administering pain medication is important for the preschooler's comfort, but it is not the nurse's priority action in this scenario. The priority is to ensure adequate circulation to the extremities, which can be assessed by checking capillary refill.
Choice B rationale:
Check capillary refill. This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the child's circulation and tissue perfusion. In 90-90 traction, there is a risk of impaired circulation to the extremities due to the positioning. Checking capillary refill provides information about the adequacy of blood flow to the capillaries and is crucial for early detection of any circulation problems.
Choice C rationale:
Cleanse and dress the pin sites. While caring for the pin sites is important to prevent infection, it is not the priority action at this moment. Ensuring proper circulation and perfusion takes precedence over pin site care.
Choice D rationale:
Reposition the child every 2 hr. Repositioning the child is important to prevent complications associated with immobility, but it is not the nurse's priority action in this situation. The primary concern is to assess and address any circulation issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hct 45% (Choice A) refers to the hematocrit level, which measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. While dehydration can lead to elevated hematocrit due to hemoconcentration, a hematocrit value of 45% is within the normal range for both males and females. Dehydration might cause a mild increase, but more significant elevations would be expected in cases of severe dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
Urine specific gravity 1.035 (Choice B) is an indicator of concentrated urine, which is a characteristic finding in dehydration. Dehydration reduces the body's water content, leading to more concentrated urine with higher specific gravity values. A normal range for urine-specific gravity is typically between 1.005 and 1.030.
Choice C rationale:
Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds (Choice C) is not a finding consistent with dehydration. Capillary refill time measures the time it takes for color to return to the nailbed after pressure is applied. Prolonged capillary refill time might indicate poor peripheral perfusion, which can be a sign of dehydration, but a refill time of less than 2 seconds is considered within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
A urine output of 35 ml/hr (Choice D) is not indicative of dehydration. In fact, a urine output of 35 ml/hr is relatively normal and suggests adequate fluid intake and hydration. Dehydration would typically result in reduced urine output as the body conserves water.
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