Exhibits
The parents are at the bedside and state that each parent thought the other parent was watching the child. They are not sure how long he was in the pool or how he might have fallen in. The temperature of the pool was cool as the temperature outside was about 64 °F (17.8 °C).
Placed a cervical collar with the assistance of the physician. The child's pulse is 121 beats/minute, the airway is patent, and there are no signs of any bleeding.
Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory results, orders, and imaging studies. What complications should the nurse monitor for in the next 6 to 8 hours? Select all that apply.
Cerebral edema
Acute asphyxia
Hypertension
Respiratory distress
Hyperthermia
Subdural hemorrhage
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale: Hypoxic-ischemic injury from submersion can lead to delayed cerebral edema. Monitoring is critical as the brain's inflammatory response to the initial insult often peaks several hours after the event.
Choice B rationale: Asphyxia is the initial event that occurred in the pool. By the time the child is admitted to the pediatric floor, the asphyxiation event has passed; the nurse now monitors for its aftereffects.
Choice C rationale: Near-drowning victims are more likely to experience hypotension due to myocardial depression or shifting fluid balances. Hypertension is not a typical expected complication in the immediate post-submersion recovery period.
Choice D rationale: Aspiration of water interferes with surfactant production and damages alveolar membranes, leading to pulmonary edema or ARDS. Respiratory status can deteriorate rapidly 6 to 8 hours after the initial insult.
Choice E rationale: The child was in cool water with an outdoor temperature of 64°F, making hypothermia the primary concern. Hyperthermia is not expected unless a secondary infection or a thermregulation failure occurs much later.
Choice F rationale: The head CT scan was negative for bleeding. Without a significant traumatic impact or pre-existing condition, a subdural hemorrhage is not a standard complication resulting from a submersion injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
It is important to assess the child's vital signs, including oxygen saturation (SaO2), to ensure their stability and identify any signs of respiratory distress or other abnormalities that may impact medication administration.
Prior to administering any medication, it is crucial to verify if the child has any known allergies to medications. This information is essential for ensuring the safety of the child and preventing any potential allergic reactions.
Before administering pain medication, the nurse must verify that the prescribed dosage is appropriate for the child's age, weight, and condition. Ensuring the correct dosage helps prevent medication errors and potential adverse effects.
It is important to use a validated pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the child's age and cognitive abilities. This allows for a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the child's pain level, helping guide appropriate pain management interventions.
Considering the child has cognitive and speech delays, the input from the parent regarding the child's pain is valuable. The nurse should assess and consider the parent's report of the child's pain in conjunction with other assessment findings to ensure effective pain management.
Subjective pain assessment is mentioned as a finding but may not require immediate action, as it needs to be combined with other assessment data for a comprehensive evaluation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).
Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.
While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.
The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.
Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.