A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a child who has sickle cell crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to include?
Apply cold compresses to the affected areas.
Implement pain management on a PRN basis.
Active range-of-motion (ROM) exercises daily.
Promote hydration with IV and oral fluids.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas. Cold can cause vasoconstriction, which may worsen the sickling and pain. Heat packs are generally recommended to promote circulation and relieve pain.
B. Implement pain management on a PRN basis. Pain management should be consistent and proactive rather than PRN (as needed). Regular pain control is essential in managing sickle cell crises.
C. Active range-of-motion (ROM) exercises daily. During a crisis, the child should rest and avoid physical activity to prevent further pain and complications. ROM exercises are more appropriate during non-crisis times for maintaining joint function.
D. Promote hydration with IV and oral fluids. Hydration is crucial during a sickle cell crisis as it helps to decrease blood viscosity, reducing the risk of further sickling and vaso-occlusive events.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Projectile vomiting after feedings: Projectile vomiting after feedings, especially occurring a short time after feeding, is a classic sign of pyloric stenosis due to obstruction at the pylorus.
B. Absent bowel sounds: Absent bowel sounds may occur in more advanced cases of bowel obstruction but are not specific to pyloric stenosis.
C. Increased sodium level: Increased sodium level is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis.
D. Golf ball-size mass over the left quadrant: A palpable mass in the left quadrant is not a typical finding in pyloric stenosis.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Measure the infant's head circumference. Measuring head circumference is a standard part of routine well-child exams and growth monitoring, but it is not directly relevant to the current diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The immediate clinical focus is on the gastrointestinal symptoms and associated dehydration.
B. Weigh the infant. Weighing the infant is crucial for monitoring weight loss and assessing hydration status. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis are at risk of dehydration and malnutrition due to frequent, forceful vomiting. Regular weight checks help in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and the nutritional status of the infant.
C. Monitor intake and output. Monitoring intake and output is vital in this scenario to assess the infant's hydration status and kidney function. Given the forceful vomiting, there's a high risk of dehydration, as indicated by the dry mucous membranes, depressed fontanel, and reduced urine output. Accurate measurement helps guide fluid replacement therapy.
D. Offer small frequent feedings of thickened liquids. Offering feedings, even of thickened liquids, is inappropriate in this situation because the infant requires surgical intervention for pyloric stenosis. Continued feeding may exacerbate vomiting and dehydration. Instead, the infant should be kept NPO (nothing by mouth) to prepare for surgery and prevent further complications.
E. Evaluate serum electrolyte levels: Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis often develop electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Evaluating serum electrolytes is essential to identify and correct these imbalances, which are critical to stabilizing the infant before surgical intervention.
F. Plan to administer a plain water enema. A plain water enema is not indicated and is inappropriate for treating hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The issue is not related to bowel movements or lower gastrointestinal obstruction, but rather to the pyloric sphincter in the stomach, which requires surgical correction.
G. Implement contact precautions. Contact precautions are typically used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is not an infectious condition but a structural anomaly. Thus, there is no need for contact precautions in this context.
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