Exhibits

A nurse is collecting data from an adolescent who has bacterial pneumonia. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider? (Click on the "Exhibit" button for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)

A. “I will push the medication to the back of my baby's mouth quickly using a syringe":
Pushing medication to the back of the mouth quickly could cause the baby to gag or choke. It’s better to administer the medication slowly to ensure the baby swallows it safely.
B. "I will gently squeeze my baby's cheeks when giving the medication.": Gently squeezing the baby's cheeks helps guide the baby to open their mouth and accept the medication. This ensures safe administration of oral medications without causing discomfort or distress.
C. "I will add the medication to 8 ounces of formula": Adding medication to formula is not recommended as it can alter the medication's effectiveness and make it harder to ensure the correct dosage. It is better to give the medication separately from formula.
D. "I will mix the medication in a 4-ounce bowl of rice cereal at breakfast": Mixing the medication with rice cereal could lead to the baby not receiving the full dose if they do not finish the cereal. Medications should generally be administered separately to ensure the full dose is given.

A. Monitor vital signs every 8 hr: Vital signs should be monitored more frequently in a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) than every 8 hours. Monitoring every 1-2 hours is typically recommended in order to detect any signs of deterioration or complications early.
B. Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important in the management of DKA because the condition can lead to electrolyte imbalances (especially hypokalemia), which can affect heart rhythm and potentially cause arrhythmias.
C. Administer subcutaneous insulin 30 min before meals: In SKA, insulin should not be administered subcutaneously until the child’s condition is stabilized, as intravenous (IV) insulin is typically used initially to correct acidosis and hyperglycemia in DKA.
D. Implement fluid restrictions: Fluid restrictions are not appropriate in DKA. Aggressive fluid resuscitation is necessary to correct dehydration and restore proper electrolyte balance. Fluid restrictions could worsen dehydration and acidosis.