A nurse on a pediatric unit is assisting with the care of a preschooler who is 1 day postoperative following an open appendectomy
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The preschooler is at greatest risk for developing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C","dropdown-group-3":"B"}
Rationale:
- Pneumonia: The child’s shallow respirations, diminished breath sounds at the bases, and ongoing refusal to use the incentive spirometer suggest decreased lung expansion and poor airway clearance. These are classic risk factors for postoperative pneumonia, especially in pediatric clients who are reluctant to engage in deep breathing exercises.
- Peritonitis: Peritonitis would be indicated by signs such as a rigid abdomen, rebound tenderness, or marked fever. The client has mild abdominal tenderness but not the severity or systemic signs expected with peritonitis.
- Wound infection: There are no signs of wound infection. The surgical dressing is consistently described as dry and intact with no redness, drainage, or swelling, which are typical indicators of infection.
- Temperature: The child's temperature is slightly elevated but remains within the low-grade range and does not independently indicate a serious complication. It’s not the most significant factor in this case.
- Bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery and do not directly point to a respiratory complication. They are improving postoperatively and are not a primary concern for pneumonia.
- Breathing effort: The child’s consistently shallow respirations and diminished breath sounds show a risk for poor ventilation. These are warning signs for the development of postoperative pneumonia.
- Abdominal tenderness: Mild to moderate tenderness is expected 1 day after abdominal surgery and shows improvement over time. It is not strongly suggestive of a new or worsening condition like pneumonia.
- Refusal to use incentive spirometer: Using the incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing and lung expansion. Refusing it increases the risk of atelectasis and subsequent pneumonia, especially in pediatric clients with shallow breathing patterns.
- Surgical dressing: The dressing is consistently described as dry and intact with no signs of infection or complication. It does not point to any current or developing risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
- Heart rate: A heart rate of 118/min indicates tachycardia, which may be a compensatory response to hypovolemia or blood loss. Combined with low blood pressure and low hemoglobin/hematocrit, it raises concern for active gastrointestinal bleeding and hemodynamic instability.
- Stool results: A positive hemoccult test confirms gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when paired with the client’s report of dark, tarry stools (melena). This requires prompt evaluation and may indicate upper GI bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer.
- Current medications: The client is taking high-dose ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can cause or worsen gastric ulcers and bleeding. Continued use should be stopped immediately and replaced with safer alternatives.
- WBC count: The WBC count is within the normal range and does not indicate an active infection or inflammatory process at this time. It does not require urgent follow-up compared to other findings.
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting blood loss likely due to GI bleeding. These values warrant urgent follow-up and possible transfusion depending on symptoms and stability.
- Temperature: The client’s temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is slightly elevated but within normal limits and not a priority concern. There are no signs of infection or fever that require immediate follow-up.
- Blood pressure: A BP of 90/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is concerning in the context of GI bleeding and low hemoglobin. This may reflect hypovolemia and requires prompt fluid management and monitoring.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 18/min is within normal limits and does not indicate respiratory distress. It does not require immediate follow-up in this context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I should do aerobic exercises once per day.": While exercise is beneficial for clients with COPD, it should be individualized and not necessarily done daily, especially in the beginning. Overexertion can worsen symptoms, so gradual and well-monitored activity is recommended.
B. "I will increase my fluid intake to 1,700 milliliters per day.": Clients with COPD are typically encouraged to consume 2,000 to 2,500 mL of fluids daily unless contraindicated. Higher fluid intake helps thin secretions, making them easier to expectorate and improving airway clearance.
C. "I should practice pursed-lip breathing exercises.": Pursed-lip breathing improves ventilation by keeping airways open longer during exhalation, reducing air trapping and dyspnea. It is a fundamental breathing technique taught to clients with COPD to improve oxygenation and control shortness of breath.
D. "I will consume low-protein, low-calorie foods.": Clients with COPD often have increased energy demands due to the work of breathing. A high-protein, high-calorie diet is typically recommended to prevent muscle wasting and support respiratory muscle strength.
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