A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has hyperthermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cover the adolescent with a thermal blanket.
Submerge the adolescent’s feet in ice water.
Initiate seizure precautions.
Administer oral acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications. Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.
Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.
Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.
Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because potassium is a medication that can cause cardiac arrest if given too quickly or in high doses. A nurse who administers potassium via IV bolus is not providing the standard of care that a similarly trained nurse would have offered under the same circumstances. This could result in harm or death to the patient.
Choice A is wrong because placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls is not malpractice, but rather a safety measure.
A yellow bracelet indicates that the client needs assistance with mobility and should not be left alone. This is a common practice in many health care facilities to prevent falls and injuries.
Choice B is wrong because leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication is not malpractice, but rather a mistake.
A nasogastric tube is a tube that goes through the nose and into the stomach to deliver nutrition or medication.
It should be unclamped after giving oral medication to allow the medication to enter the stomach and prevent reflux or aspiration. However, this error does not rise to the level of malpractice unless it causes harm to the patient, such as vomiting, choking, or infection.
Choice D is wrong because documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client’s medical record is not malpractice, but rather a good practice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because infants with heart failure have difficulty feeding and may become exhausted or dyspneic during prolonged feedings. By limiting the feeding time, the nurse can reduce the energy expenditure and caloric needs of the infant.
Choice B is wrong because weighing the infant every other day is not enough to monitor the fluid status and nutritional intake of the infant. The nurse should weigh the infant daily at the same time using the same scale.
Choice C is wrong because placing the infant in a prone position can compromise respiratory function and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The nurse should place the infant in a semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing and decrease venous return.
Choice D is wrong because checking the infant’s oxygen saturation every 6 hr is not frequent enough to detect hypoxia or cyanosis. The nurse should monitor the oxygen saturation continuously or at least every 2 hr.
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