A nurse is caring for an infant who has tetralogy of Fallot. The infant is crying and is experiencing a hypercyanotic spell. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer morphine subcutaneously.
Apply a face mask supplying 100% oxygen.
Attempt to calm and soothe the child.
Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Morphine subcutaneously can help reduce anxiety and stress, but supplying oxygen is the priority intervention.
Choice B rationale:
During a hypercyanotic spell ("tet spell"), the infant's oxygen levels drop, leading to cyanosis (blue skin) and distress. Administering oxygen can help improve oxygen saturation and alleviate the spell.
Choice C rationale:
Calming and soothing the child may not be sufficient to address the oxygen saturation issue during a hypercyanotic spell.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the infant in a knee-chest position can help improve blood flow, but administering oxygen should be the initial step.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Magnesium sulfate is often used to suppress preterm labor by relaxing the uterine smooth muscle.
Choice B rationale:
Methylergonovine is used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage and is not typically used for preterm labor.
Choice C rationale:
Calcium gluconate is used to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity and is not typically used for preterm labor.
Choice D rationale:
Dinoprostone is used to ripen the cervix for labor induction, not to suppress preterm labor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Referring the client to crisis intervention services might be necessary, but before doing so, the nurse should gather information to understand the client's current situation and coping mechanisms.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the client's previous coping methods helps the nurse understand the client's strengths and provides insights into potential strategies for managing the crisis effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Discussing the cause of the crisis might be helpful, but it's important to first assess the client's current coping abilities and resources.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client in developing strategies to overcome the crisis is important, but it should come after a thorough assessment of the client's current coping mechanisms and situation.
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