A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant.
The nurse has completed the child's admission assessment.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Potential condition- Intussusception
Intussusception is a condition where one part of the intestine folds into another part, causing an obstruction. It is common in infants and toddlers and typically presents with the following signs- Severe abdominal pain, which causes the child to pull their knees to their chest (classic sign of colicky abdominal pain), red, jelly-like stools (which indicate the presence of blood and mucus in the stool) and palpable mass in the right upper quadrant (which could be the telescoping portion of the bowel).
Actions to Take
- Place child on NPO status:
The child should be placed on nothing by mouth (NPO) status to prepare for potential procedures, such as an enema or surgery. This prevents aspiration during any intervention and ensures the bowel is not further irritated by food or liquid intake.
- Prepare child for an air enema:
Air enema is a non-invasive treatment for intussusception. It is often used to reduce the telescoping bowel by using air under fluoroscopic guidance. This treatment can resolve the condition in many cases without the need for surgery. The nurse must ensure the child is properly prepared for this procedure (e.g., ensuring the child is NPO, monitoring vitals, and explaining the procedure to the family).
Parameters to Monitor
- Stool patterns:
Monitoring the stool patterns is essential to assess the progress and severity of intussusception. The presence of red, jelly-like stools (blood and mucus) is characteristic of intussusception, and any changes in stool appearance can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. The nurse should monitor if the stool pattern changes after the air enema or surgical intervention.
- Abdominal pain:
Abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom of intussusception, and the nurse should continually assess the child's pain level. The child may experience intermittent, severe cramp-like pain due to the bowel obstruction. Monitoring and managing the pain effectively is crucial for patient comfort and well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assessing vital signs, including temperature and oxygen saturation, is appropriate for monitoring the child's condition and identifying any signs of respiratory distress or infection.
B. Gathering necessary supplies for possible intubation is a proactive measure in case the child experiences airway obstruction. Acute epiglottitis can lead to rapid deterioration in the child's airway.
C. Assessing the child's throat using a tongue blade can trigger airway obstruction in a child with acute epiglottitis, which is a medical emergency. The throat should not be examined visually due to the risk of causing a spasm or obstruction.
D. Reporting an elevated white blood count is a normal part of managing acute infections, such as epiglottitis, and should be done to inform the healthcare provider of the patient's condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Allowing the child to make decisions about their care helps foster autonomy, which is important in the stage of development described by Erikson for children at this age.
B. While a structured routine is helpful, fostering a sense of independence and decision-making is key to promoting development at this stage.
C. Expressing feelings through creative activities is beneficial but does not address the developmental need for independence and autonomy.
D. Engaging with other children is important for social development, but allowing the child to have some control over their care is essential for psychosocial growth.
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