A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes.
Temperature 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate 124/min.
Decreased appetite and irritability.
Pale and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL.
The Correct Answer is A
These are signs of severe dehydration in an infant, which can be life-threatening and should be reported to the provider immediately. The infant may need intravenous fluids and electrolytes to restore hydration and prevent complications.
Choice B is wrong because a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) and a pulse rate of 124/min are not abnormal for an infant and do not indicate severe dehydration. These are common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
Choice C is wrong because decreased appetite and irritability are also common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, but they do not indicate severe dehydration. The nurse should encourage oral rehydration with fluids such as breast milk, formula, or oral electrolyte solution.
Choice D is wrong because pale skin and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL are not signs of severe dehydration in an infant.
A fluid deficit of 30 mL is less than 1 oz and is not significant for an infant who weighs about 10 kg (22 lbs). A fluid deficit of more than 10% of body weight would indicate severe dehydration.
Normal ranges for vital signs in infants are as follows:
• Temperature: 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F)
• Pulse rate: 100 to 160/min
• Respiratory rate: 30 to 60/min
• Blood pressure: 65/41 to 100/50 mm Hg
Normal ranges for fluid intake and output in infants are as follows:
• Fluid intake: 100 to 150 mL/kg/day
• Fluid output: 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because varicella, or chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella- zoster virus (VZV), which can spread through the air or by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. A negative air pressure room prevents the air from the room from circulating to other areas of the hospital, reducing the risk of transmission to other patients and staff.
Choice A is wrong because aspirin should not be given to children with chickenpox, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, which affects the brain and liver. Instead, acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever.
Choice B is wrong because droplet precautions are not enough to prevent the spread of chickenpox. Droplet precautions involve wearing a mask and gloves when in close contact with the patient, but they do not prevent the virus from traveling through the air. Airborne precautions, which include a negative air pressure room and wearing a respirator, are needed for chickenpox.
Choice D is wrong because Koplik spots are not a sign of chickenpox, but of measles, another viral infection that causes a rash. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters that crust over.
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