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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because the radial artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The radial artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for adults or older children who have a strong pulse, but it may be difficult to locate or feel in an infant who has a small or weak pulse.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the carotid artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The carotid artery is located on either side of the neck, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for adults or older children who have a cardiac arrest or shock, but it may be risky to use in an infant who has a fragile neck or airway.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the brachial artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The brachial artery is located on the inner side of the upper arm, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for infants or young children who have a blood pressure measurement, but it may be uncomfortable or inaccurate to use for a heart rate assessment.
Choice D reason: This choice is correct because the apex of the heart is an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The apex of the heart is located at the fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line, and it can be auscultated by placing a stethoscope over it. It may be used for infants or young children who have a regular and strong heartbeat, and it may provide the most accurate measurement of the heart rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This action is appropriate for a 10-year-old child who will be hospitalized for an extended period of time, as it meets their psychosocial needs according to Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority. In this stage, which occurs from age 6 to 12 years, children develop a sense of competence and achievement by mastering skills and tasks that are valued by society. Encouraging the client to complete school work can help them maintain their academic progress and self-esteem.
Choice B: This action is not appropriate for a 10-year-old child who will be hospitalized for an extended period of time, as it does not meet their psychosocial needs according to Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority. In this stage, which occurs from age 6 to 12 years, children need consistency and structure to develop a sense of competence and achievement. Varying the child's schedule each day can cause confusion and stress for them.
Choice C: This action is not appropriate for a 10-year-old child who will be hospitalized for an extended period of time, as it does not meet their psychosocial needs according to Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority. In this stage, which occurs from age 6 to 12 years, children need opportunities to master skills and tasks that are valued by society. Providing a daily session with a play therapist can help them cope with their emotions and fears, but it does not help them develop their competence and achievement.
Choice D: This action is not appropriate for a 10-year-old child who will be hospitalized for an extended period of time, as it does not meet their psychosocial needs according to Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority. In this stage, which occurs from age 6 to 12 years, children need social support and peer interaction to develop a sense of competence and achievement. Discouraging visits from the client's friends can cause isolation and depression for them.
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