A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?
Frequent nosebleeds.
Upper extremity hypotension.
Weak femoral pulses.
Increased intracranial pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition where the aorta is narrow, usually in the area where the ductus arteriosus inserts. This causes a decrease in blood flow to the lower body, resulting in weak or absent pulses in the femoral arteries.
The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:
Choice A is not a typical sign of coarctation of the aorta.
Nosebleeds can be caused by many factors, such as dry air, allergies, trauma, or bleeding disorders.
Choice B is also not a common finding in coarctation of the aorta. In fact, patients with this condition may have high blood pressure in the upper extremities due to the increased resistance of the narrowed aorta.
Choice D is not directly related to coarctation of the aorta.
Increased intracranial pressure can be caused by various conditions that affect the brain, such as head injury, stroke, infection, or tumor.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse vary depending on age, sex, and health status. However, some general guidelines are:
- Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg for adults; less than 95/65 mmHg for infants.
- Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults; 100 to 160 beats per minute for infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Applying warm compresses to the incision site is anticipated for the client, as it can help reduce swelling and pain.
The other choices are contraindicated for the following reasons:
- Choice B: Maintaining bed rest for 2 days postoperatively is contraindicated, as it can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. The client should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery.
- Choice C: Irrigating indwelling urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline is contraindicated, as it can introduce bacteria into the bladder and cause infection. The catheter should be kept patent and draining without irrigation unless there is a specific order from the provider.
- Choice D: Administering enema to relieve constipation is contraindicated, as it can increase the pressure in the pelvic area and cause bleeding or damage to the surgical site. The client should be given stool softeners and laxatives to prevent constipation.
- Choice E: Placing a blanket roll under the client’s knees while in bed is contraindicated, as it can impair blood circulation and cause thrombophlebitis. The client should avoid flexing the knees excessively and elevate the legs slightly when lying down.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the child is at risk for developing peritonitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain. Scheduled analgesics can provide better pain relief than PRN analgesics.
Choice A is wrong because the child should not be given anything by mouth until bowel sounds return, which can take up to 24 hr after surgery.
Giving clear liquids too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
Choice B is wrong because cromolyn nebulized solution is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat appendicitis.
There is no indication that the child has asthma or needs this medication.
Choice C is wrong because applying a warm compress to the operative site can increase inflammation and infection risk.
A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and pain, but only if prescribed by the provider.
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