A nurse is caring for a toddler who had a cast applied 2 hr ago due to multiple fractures of the right hand. Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately to the charge nurse?
The parent reports the child will not keep the arm elevated on the pillow.
The fingers on the right hand have a capillary refill of 4 seconds.
The fingertips of the right hand are swollen and bruised.
The child is not attempting to move her right arm or fingers.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The parent reports the child will not keep the arm elevated on the pillow: Not a priority. While elevation is important, it is not immediately concerning.
B. The fingers on the right hand have a capillary refill of 4 seconds: Correct. A capillary refill time of more than 2 seconds indicates poor perfusion, which can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a serious complication.
C. The fingertips of the right hand are swollen and bruised: Concerning, but swelling and bruising can be normal post-injury. Immediate concern is perfusion.
D. The child is not attempting to move her right arm or fingers: Concerning, but can be due to pain or fear. Poor perfusion (B) is a more immediate threat.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Increased seizure activity
- Finding: Phenytoin level
The child's phenytoin level is 6 mcg/mL, which is below the therapeutic range of 10-20 mcg/mL. Subtherapeutic levels of phenytoin mean the medication is not providing adequate seizure control, increasing the risk of more seizures. The recent seizure history and the low drug level indicate a direct correlation between insufficient phenytoin levels and increased seizure activity.
Pneumonia
- Finding: Cough
A harsh, non-productive cough that worsens with activity and at night can be indicative of respiratory conditions, including asthma exacerbations. However, in the context of this child's history and symptoms, there is no evidence of a productive cough, fever, or other signs of infection that would typically suggest pneumonia. Hence, pneumonia is not the primary concern.
Liver failure
- Finding: Skin rash
Liver failure is usually associated with jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and systemic symptoms like fatigue or confusion. The child’s liver function tests are within normal ranges, and there are no signs of jaundice or systemic illness. The skin rash is more likely related to eczema or a possible drug reaction rather than indicating liver failure.
Steven-Johnson syndrome
- Finding: Liver enzymes
Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin reaction typically triggered by medications, including anticonvulsants. Elevated liver enzymes can be seen in SJS, but the child’s liver enzymes are within normal ranges. The rash described does not match the characteristics of SJS, which typically presents with widespread, painful, blistering rashes, not localized eczema patches. Therefore, SJS is unlikely in this scenario.
Pneumothorax
- Finding: Lung sounds
A pneumothorax would usually present with decreased breath sounds, possibly on one side, along with signs of respiratory distress such as tachypnea and cyanosis. The child has slight end expiratory wheezes but normal respiratory rates and oxygen saturation, which suggests asthma rather than pneumothorax. Therefore, pneumothorax is not a primary concern here.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, commonly detected during routine physical exams in school-aged children and adolescents. This is the correct diagnosis for the described symptom.
B. Ankylosis: Ankylosis refers to joint stiffness or immobility due to fusion of the bones, not a lateral curvature of the spine. It is typically associated with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and does not describe a spinal curvature.
C. Kyphosis: Kyphosis involves an abnormal forward curvature of the spine, often resulting in a hunchback appearance. It is not the same as a lateral curvature and thus does not fit the description given.
D. Lordosis: Lordosis is characterized by an exaggerated inward curve of the lower spine, commonly referred to as swayback. It does not involve lateral curvature and therefore is not relevant to the described condition.
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