A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is taking valproic acid. The nurse should expect the provider to order which of the following diagnostic tests?

The correct answer is D

Choice A Reason: While croup can be serious, an O2 saturation of 92% on room air is generally stable. This child's condition is concerning but not immediately life-threatening.

Choice B Reason: A 15-year-old adolescent who is 2 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left ankle and is requesting pain medication is in need of comfort measures. Postoperative pain management is important for recovery, but it is not a priority over more critical conditions.

Choice C Reason: A 3-year-old toddler with gastroenteritis, moderate dehydration, and two loose bowel movements over the past 24 hours requires rehydration and monitoring. The normal range for bowel movements varies, but two loose stools in 24 hours for a toddler with gastroenteritis is not unusual. Dehydration can become severe, so this child should be assessed soon, but it is not the most urgent case.

Choice D Reason: This child's sudden relief from pain could be a sign of a perforated appendix, a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, this child's condition is the most urgent and requires immediate assessment.

- A. Incorrect. Organizing the work environment is an important step of the time management process, but it is not the priority. The nurse manager should first identify the activities that need to be done before organizing them.

- B. Incorrect. Delegating assigned tasks appropriately is an important step of the time management process, but it is not the priority. The nurse manager should first determine which tasks can be delegated and which ones require their direct involvement before assigning them to others.

- C. Correct. Making a list of activities to complete is the priority step of the time management process, as it helps the nurse manager to identify and prioritize their goals and responsibilities.

- D. Incorrect. Rewarding yourself for accomplishing goals is an important step of the time management process, but it is not the priority. The nurse manager should first complete the tasks that are essential and urgent before rewarding themselves for their achievements.