A school-age child with bronchial asthma has a prescription for albuterol. The child's parent tells the nurse that the medication is used when the child is having difficulty breathing. Which is the best response by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Reassessing axillary temperature if it is higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Axillary temperature is not the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, especially in children. It can be affected by factors such as clothing, sweating, and room temperature. Axillary temperature is usually lower than the core body temperature by about 1° F (0.6° C). Therefore, a child with an axillary temperature higher than 99.7° F (37.6° C) may already have a significant fever and should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Choice B reason: Verifying if the child has a fever by checking a rectal temperature is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Rectal temperature is the most accurate method of measuring body temperature, but it is also the most invasive and uncomfortable. It can cause irritation, bleeding, or injury to the rectum, especially in children with low platelet counts or bleeding disorders. Rectal temperature is also not recommended for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as it can increase the risk of introducing bacteria or fungi into the bloodstream.

Choice C reason: Notifying for a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) is a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Temporal temperature is a noninvasive and convenient method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared scanner that detects the heat emitted by the temporal artery on the forehead. Temporal temperature is comparable to the core body temperature and can reflect changes in body temperature quickly. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a temporal temperature greater than 100° F (37.8° C) may have an infection and should be reported to the health care provider immediately.

Choice D reason: Checking temperature twice a day with an aural thermometer is not a correct monitoring for early signs of an infection in the child. Aural temperature is a noninvasive and easy method of measuring body temperature, using an infrared sensor that detects the heat emitted by the tympanic membrane in the ear. However, aural temperature can be inaccurate or unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as earwax, ear infections, ear canal shape, and ambient noise. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has a fever may not be detected by an aural thermometer, and may miss the opportunity for early intervention.

Choice A reason: Careful bathing and handling that avoids abdominal manipulation is the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children and can rupture or spread if touched or pressed. The nurse should avoid any unnecessary pressure on the abdomen and use gentle movements when bathing and handling the infant.

Choice B reason: Administering pain medication based on the FACES pain scale is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because the FACES pain scale is a tool that helps children aged 3 and older to communicate their pain level by pointing to a face that matches their pain. However, the infant in this scenario is too young to use this scale and may not be able to express their pain verbally. The nurse should use other methods to assess the infant's pain, such as observing their behavior, vital signs and facial expressions.

Choice C reason: Including the prone position in the every 2 hour turning schedule is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because the prone position, which is lying on the stomach, can increase the risk of rupture or spread of the tumor. The nurse should avoid placing the infant in this position and instead use other positions that are comfortable and safe for the infant.

Choice D reason: Giving antiemetic medications to prevent nausea and vomiting is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement during the preoperative period. This is because antiemetic medications are drugs that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. However, the infant in this scenario has not yet undergone any of these treatments and may not have any symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The nurse should only give antiemetic medications if the infant shows signs of nausea and vomiting or if prescribed by the doctor.