A nurse is caring for a toddler who has laryngotracheobronchitis. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor to detect airway obstruction?
Decreased stridor
Increased restlessness
Decreased heart rate
Decreased temperature
The Correct Answer is B
A. Decreased stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound caused by turbulent airflow through a narrowed or partially obstructed airway. In laryngotracheobronchitis, stridor is often present and may worsen with increasing airway obstruction. Therefore, decreased stridor would not be a typical finding associated with airway obstruction in this condition.
B. Increased restlessness: Increased restlessness can be a sign of worsening respiratory distress and impending airway obstruction. As the child struggles to breathe, they may become increasingly agitated and restless, indicating the need for prompt intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. Decreased heart rate: Decreased heart rate (bradycardia) is not typically associated with airway obstruction in laryngotracheobronchitis. In fact, the heart rate may increase as a compensatory response to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
D. Decreased temperature: Changes in temperature are not typically associated with airway obstruction in laryngotracheobronchitis. The focus of monitoring in this condition is primarily on respiratory distress and signs of worsening airway obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Upright: This position allows for better expansion of the lungs and improved ventilation-perfusion matching, as gravity helps the diaphragm move downward and expand the lungs. It is often beneficial for patients with respiratory distress or failure.
B. Supine: While lying flat on the back (supine position) may be comfortable for some patients, it can restrict lung expansion, especially in individuals with compromised respiratory function. This position may not be ideal for maximal lung expansion in this scenario.
C. Prone: The prone position involves lying flat on the abdomen. In some cases, especially in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), prone positioning has been shown to improve oxygenation by optimizing lung mechanics. However, it may not be practical or comfortable for all patients and is not typically used as a first-line intervention in school-age children with pneumonia.
D. Side-lying: While side-lying positions can sometimes improve lung expansion on the dependent side, it may not be as effective as the upright position in maximizing lung expansion, especially in cases of respiratory failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A 45-degree head elevation: This position can help facilitate venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure. Elevating the head of the bed may aid in preventing the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which is important after VP shunt insertion to maintain proper drainage. However, this position alone may not be sufficient.
B. On the nonoperative side: Placing the child on the nonoperative side can help reduce pressure on the side where the shunt was inserted, minimizing discomfort and the risk of disruption or displacement of the shunt. However, this position may not directly affect CSF drainage.
C. Prone: Placing the child prone (lying face down) is generally not recommended after VP shunt insertion. This position may increase pressure on the head and interfere with proper CSF drainage, potentially leading to complications.
D. Supine: Placing the child supine (lying on their back) is typically recommended after VP shunt insertion. This position helps promote proper drainage of CSF through the shunt system without placing undue pressure on the surgical site. It also allows for easy monitoring of the child's condition and surgical site.
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