A nurse is planning to reinforce teaching with a preschooler who is about to undergo an incision and

drainage for cellulitis on the left arm. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

- A. Palpate the degree of edema. This is incorrect because palpating the degree of edema requires clinical judgment and skill, which are beyond the scope of practice of an AP. -

B. Regulate IV pump fluid rate. This is incorrect because regulating IV pump fluid rate is a nursing responsibility that involves calculating and adjusting the infusion rate based on the client's condition and orders.

- C. Measure the client's daily weight. This is correct because measuring the client's daily weight is a routine task that can be delegated to an AP, as long as the nurse provides clear instructions and monitors the results. The client's daily weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

- D. Assess the client's vital signs. This is incorrect because assessing the client's vital signs requires interpretation and analysis of data, which are nursing functions that cannot be delegated to an AP.

Choice A rationale:

A child who has mononucleosis and reports severe fatigue requires medical attention, but this condition does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to acute epiglottitis. Mononucleosis is a viral infection that can cause fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. While the child should be assessed, the priority is given to the child with acute epiglottitis due to the potential for airway obstruction and respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale:

A child who has Wilms' tumor and an abdominal mass also needs urgent medical evaluation. Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. While it requires prompt attention, acute epiglottitis poses a more immediate threat to the airway and breathing.

Choice C rationale:

A child with acute epiglottitis and drooling requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause severe swelling of the epiglottis, leading to airway obstruction. The child may have difficulty breathing and may present with the classic drooling sign due to the inability to swallow saliva. Prompt medical intervention, including airway management and appropriate antibiotics, is essential in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A child with a urinary tract infection and bright red blood in her urine requires medical evaluation, but this condition is not as urgent as acute epiglottitis. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can have various causes, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the child should receive medical attention, it does not take precedence over the immediate threat posed by acute epiglottitis, which requires urgent intervention to maintain the airway.