A nurse is caring for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority immediately after admission?
Using a pain-rating tool to determine the severity of the joint pain
Assessing the client's erythematous rash
Identifying the degree of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis
Auscultating the rate and regularity of the child's heart sounds and notifying the provider immediately of abnormalities
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Using a pain-rating tool to determine the severity of the joint pain is not the priority assessment for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory condition that can affect various organs, especially the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Joint pain is one of the major criteria for diagnosing acute rheumatic fever and can affect one or more large joints, such as knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. Joint pain can be managed with analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Choice B: Assessing the client's erythematous rash is not the priority assessment for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory condition that can affect various organs, especially the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The erythematous rash is one of the minor criteria for diagnosing acute rheumatic fever and can appear as pink or red patches on the trunk or limbs. The erythematous rash can fade or change location over time and does not require any specific treatment.
Choice C: Identifying the degree of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis is not the priority assessment for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory condition that can affect various organs, especially the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Parental anxiety related to the diagnosis can affect their coping skills and ability to care for their child. Parental anxiety can be addressed by providing education, support, and referral to appropriate resources.
Choice D: Auscultating the rate and regularity of the child's heart sounds and notifying the provider immediately of abnormalities is the priority assessment for an 8-year-old child who has acute rheumatic fever, as it can indicate cardiac involvement, which is the most serious complication of acute rheumatic fever. Cardiac involvement can cause damage to the heart valves, myocardium, or pericardium and lead to heart failure or death. Abnormalities in heart sounds may include murmurs, rubs, gallops, or arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because the loss of a parent is not the priority risk factor for suicide completion. Loss of a parent is a stressful life event that may cause grief, depression, or anxiety in an adolescent, but it does not necessarily increase the risk of suicide completion. However, the loss of a parent may be associated with other risk factors such as low self-esteem, poor coping skills, or social isolation, which can contribute to suicidal ideation or behavior.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because a history of substance abuse is not the priority risk factor for suicide completion. History of substance abuse is a behavioral problem that may impair the judgment, mood, or impulse control of an adolescent, but it does not necessarily increase the risk of suicide completion. However, a history of substance abuse may be associated with other risk factors such as mental illness, family conflict, or legal trouble, which can contribute to suicidal ideation or behavior.
Choice C reason: This choice is correct because a previous suicide attempt is the priority risk factor for suicide completion. Previous suicide attempt is a clear indicator of suicidal intent and capability, and it increases the likelihood of future attempts and completion. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), about 40% of people who die by suicide have a history of previous attempts. Therefore, assessing and addressing previous suicide attempts is essential to prevent further harm and save lives.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because active psychiatric disorder is not the priority risk factor for suicide completion. Active psychiatric disorder is a mental health condition that may affect the thoughts, feelings, or behaviors of an adolescent, but it does not necessarily increase the risk of suicide completion. However, active psychiatric disorder may be associated with other risk factors such as hopelessness, helplessness, or isolation, which can contribute to suicidal ideation or behavior.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because constructing a model airplane is not an appropriate activity for a 4- year-old child who requires airborne precautions. Airborne precautions are infection control measures that prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can be spread by small droplets that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. They involve placing the child in a negative-pressure room with a HEPA filter, wearing a respirator mask, and limiting movement outside the room. Constructing a model airplane may involve small parts that can be choking hazards, sharp edges that can cause injury or glue that can cause irritation or allergy. Therefore, this activity may not be safe or suitable for the child.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because pulling a wagon with toys in the hallway is not an appropriate activity for a 4-year-old child who requires airborne precautions. As explained above, airborne precautions involve limiting movement outside the room to prevent exposure and transmission of microorganisms. Pulling a wagon with toys in the hallway may violate these precautions and increase the risk of infection for the child and others.
Therefore, this activity may not be allowed or advisable for the child.
Choice C reason: This choice is correct because putting a large-piece puzzle together is an appropriate activity for a 4-year-old child who requires airborne precautions. Putting a large-piece puzzle together can help to stimulate the child's cognitive, visual, and fine motor skills by requiring them to match shapes, colors, and patterns. It can also help to reduce boredom, frustration, or anxiety by providing entertainment, diversion, or achievement. Therefore, this activity may be beneficial and enjoyable for the child.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because watching a video game in the playroom is not an appropriate activity for a 4-year-old child who requires airborne precautions. As explained above, airborne precautions involve limiting movement outside the room to prevent exposure and transmission of microorganisms. Watching a video game in the playroom may violate these precautions and increase the risk of infection for the child and others.
Therefore, this activity may not be permitted or recommended for the child.
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