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 B
Explanation
Choice A: A heart rate of 72/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of 72/min does not indicate any signs of shock, hemorrhage, or cardiac injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice B: A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg is below the normal range for an adolescent, which is 110 to 120/70 to 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of shock, hemorrhage, or internal organ damage. Hypotension can lead to decreased tissue perfusion, organ failure, or death. Therefore, this finding is the nurse's priority and requires immediate intervention.
Choice C: An abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a moderate level of pain that can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection in the abdomen. However, pain is a subjective symptom that may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Pain can also be managed with analgesics or other measures. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice D: A respiratory rate of 20/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 20/min does not indicate any signs of respiratory distress, hypoxia, or pulmonary injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Loosening restrictive clothing is not the priority action, but rather a secondary action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. A tonic-clonic seizure is a type of seizure that involves the stiffening of muscles (tonic phase) followed by jerking movements (clonic phase). Loosening restrictive clothing can prevent injury or discomfort to the child during or after the seizure.
Choice B: Placing a pillow under the child's head is not the priority action, but rather an inappropriate action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. A pillow under the head can obstruct the airway or cause aspiration of vomitus into the lungs. The nurse should remove any pillows or objects from around the head and neck area and support the head with their hands or on a flat surface.
Choice C: Clearing the area of hazards is not the priority action, but rather a secondary action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. Clearing the area of hazards can prevent injury or harm to the child or others during or after the seizure. The nurse should remove any sharp, hard, or flammable objects from near or under the child and move any furniture or equipment away.
Choice D: Positioning the child side-lying is the priority action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting, as it can protect the airway and prevent aspiration of vomitus into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs that can cause fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or death. The nurse should turn the child's head to one side and place them on their side with their knees bent and one arm under their head. The nurse should also suction any vomitus from their mouth and nose if needed.
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