A preschool-aged child who is being tested for Streptococcal pharyngitis returns to the clinic for signs of scarlet fever. Which assessment finding
provides the clearest indication to the nurse that the child is experiencing a reaction to toxins that are created by Streptococcal bacteria?

Choice C reason: pushing the undiluted Dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the best way to administer the medication for a client with insulin shock. Insulin shock is a condition in which the blood glucose level drops too low due to excess insulin or insufficient food intake. This can cause symptoms such as confusion, sweating, tremors, or loss of consciousness. The nurse should administer 50% Dextrose IV as a bolus injection to raise the blood glucose level quickly and prevent brain damage.

Choice A reason: asking the pharmacist to add the Dextrose to a TPN solution is not appropriate for a client with insulin shock. TPN stands for total parenteral nutrition, which is a type of intravenous feeding that provides all the nutrients needed by the body. TPN solutions contain dextrose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in specific concentrations and ratios. Adding extra dextrose to a TPN solution can alter its composition and cause complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload.

Choice B reason: mixing the Dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not effective for a client with insulin shock. A piggyback is a type of intravenous infusion that delivers medication through a secondary tubing attached to the primary tubing of another solution. Mixing the Dextrose in a piggyback can dilute its concentration and reduce its potency. It can also delay its delivery and onset of action.

Choice D reason: diluting the Dextrose in one liter of 0.9% Normal Saline solution is not safe for a client with insulin shock. Normal Saline is a type of intravenous fluid that contains sodium chloride in isotonic concentration. Diluting the Dextrose in one liter of Normal Saline can lower its concentration and increase its volume significantly. This can cause complications such as hypoglycemia or fluid overload.

Choice A reason: Obtaining postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty is a nursing action that the nurse can assign to the PN, as this is a basic skill that does not require complex judgment or intervention by the registered nurse. Therefore, this is a correct choice.

Choice B reason: Starting the second blood transfusion for a client twelve hours following a below knee amputation is not a nursing action that the nurse should assign to the PN, as this is an advanced skill that requires close monitoring and evaluation by the registered nurse. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice C reason: Initiating patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps for two clients immediately postoperatively is not a nursing action that the nurse should assign to the PN, as this involves administering controlled substances and assessing pain levels, which are beyond the scope of practice of the PN. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice D reason: Performing daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy is a nursing action that the nurse can assign to the PN, as this is a routine task that can be done under the supervision and direction of the registered nurse. Therefore, this is another correct choice.

Choice E reason: Administering a dose of insulin per sliding scale for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a nursing action that the nurse can assign to the PN, as this is an established protocol that can be followed by the PN with appropriate documentation and reporting. Therefore, this is another correct choice.