A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a 5-week-old infant.
Click to highlight the findings that require follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Nurses' Notes
2000:
Infant awake and alert in parent's arms in bedside chair. Trunk, arms, and hands warm to palpation. Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area. Weak bilateral femoral pulses. Lower extremities cool to palpation. Lungs clear bilaterally on auscultation. Mucous membranes pink and moist.
2200:
Infant asleep in crib. Heart rate regular, no murmur on auscultation.
Vital Signs
2000:
Blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg right arm: 60/40 mm Hg right leg Heart rate 168/min
Respiratory rate 34/min
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
Oxygen saturation 97% on room air, right wrist
Trunk, arms, and hands warm to palpation
Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area
Weak bilateral femoral pulses
Lower extremities cool to palpation
Mucous membranes pink and moist
Blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg right arm: 60/40 mm Hg right leg Heart rate 168/min
Respiratory rate 34/min
The Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Findings that require follow-up:
- Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area: Edema in these areas, especially periorbital edema, could indicate fluid retention, possibly from heart failure, kidney issues, or circulatory problems. This should be further evaluated to determine the underlying cause.
- Weak bilateral femoral pulses: Weak femoral pulses could suggest a circulatory problem or arterial insufficiency. This is concerning as it could indicate a vascular or cardiac issue that requires immediate investigation.
- Lower extremities cool to palpation: Cool lower extremities may indicate poor circulation, which can be caused by a cardiovascular issue, such as shock or impaired circulation, which needs immediate attention.
- Blood pressure discrepancy (right arm: 98/60 mm Hg, right leg: 60/40 mm Hg): A significant difference in blood pressure readings between the arms and legs (known as a differential blood pressure) can indicate conditions like coarctation of the aorta (a congenital heart defect), which requires immediate follow-up.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Capillary refill greater than 4 seconds: This indicates severe hypovolemia, not moderate.
B. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is uncommon in hypovolemia and may occur late as a sign of decompensation, especially in infants.
C. Tachypnea. Tachypnea is a compensatory response to hypovolemia as the body attempts to improve oxygenation and circulation.
D. Lethargy: While lethargy is a concerning sign, it is associated with more severe dehydration than moderate hypovolemia.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Findings that require follow-up:
- Edema noted to hands, feet, and periorbital area: Edema in these areas, especially periorbital edema, could indicate fluid retention, possibly from heart failure, kidney issues, or circulatory problems. This should be further evaluated to determine the underlying cause.
- Weak bilateral femoral pulses: Weak femoral pulses could suggest a circulatory problem or arterial insufficiency. This is concerning as it could indicate a vascular or cardiac issue that requires immediate investigation.
- Lower extremities cool to palpation: Cool lower extremities may indicate poor circulation, which can be caused by a cardiovascular issue, such as shock or impaired circulation, which needs immediate attention.
- Blood pressure discrepancy (right arm: 98/60 mm Hg, right leg: 60/40 mm Hg): A significant difference in blood pressure readings between the arms and legs (known as a differential blood pressure) can indicate conditions like coarctation of the aorta (a congenital heart defect), which requires immediate follow-up.
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