The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant in the emergency department. The nurse reviews the infant's medical record and assessment findings. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect, and what actions should the nurse take to address that condition, and what parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the infant's progress?
The nurse should suspect that the infant has
meningitis.
hydrocephalus.
intracranial hemorrhage.
sepsis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Meningitis is a possible condition, as it is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infant has many signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as fever, irritability, lethargy, bulging fontanel, and clear cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbar puncture.
Choice B reason: Hydrocephalus is not a likely condition, as it is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which causes increased intracranial pressure and enlargement of the head. The infant has a bulging fontanel, which can indicate increased intracranial pressure, but not necessarily hydrocephalus. The infant does not have other signs of hydrocephalus, such as a rapidly increasing head circumference, prominent scalp veins, or sunset eyes.
Choice C reason: Intracranial hemorrhage is not a probable condition, as it is a bleeding within the skull, which can result from trauma, vascular malformation, or coagulation disorder. The infant has retinal hemorrhages, which can indicate intracranial hemorrhage, but not necessarily. The infant does not have other signs of intracranial hemorrhage, such as seizures, vomiting, or altered mental status.
Choice D reason: Sepsis is not a definite condition, as it is a systemic inflammatory response to an infection, which can cause organ dysfunction and shock. The infant has a fever, which can indicate sepsis, but not necessarily. The infant does not have other signs of sepsis, such as tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, or poor perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Leukemia is not a probable condition, as it is a cancer of the white blood cells that causes abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature or dysfunctional white blood cells. The child has a high WBC count, which can indicate leukemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of leukemia, such as bleeding, bruising, bone pain, or lymphadenopathy.
Choice B reason: Sickle cell anemia is a possible condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the shape and function of the red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and rigid. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, and a fever, tachycardia, and low oxygen saturation, which can indicate a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is a condition where the sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow and cause tissue ischemia and inflammation.
Choice C reason: Hemophilia is not a likely condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the clotting factors, causing impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, but not necessarily hemophilia. The child does not have other signs of hemophilia, such as bleeding, bruising, hemarthrosis, or hematuria.
Choice D reason: Iron deficiency anemia is not a definite condition, as it is a type of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate iron deficiency anemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of iron deficiency anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, or pica.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Continuing to monitor the client is not the best action, as it does not address the low urine output of the child. The child has a urine output of 20 mL/hr, which is below the expected range of 30 to 40 mL/hr for a 3-year-old child. Low urine output can indicate dehydration, kidney injury, or urinary tract obstruction, which require prompt intervention.
Choice B reason: Performing a bladder scan at the bedside is not the most appropriate action, as it is not the first-line diagnostic tool for low urine output. A bladder scan is a noninvasive ultrasound device that measures the amount of urine in the bladder. It can help detect urinary retention, which is the inability to empty the bladder completely. However, urinary retention is unlikely in a 3-year-old child, and a bladder scan may not be accurate or reliable in children.
Choice C reason: Providing oral rehydration fluids is the best action, as it can help restore the fluid and electrolyte balance of the child. Oral rehydration fluids are solutions that contain water, sugar, and salt in specific proportions that match the body's needs. They can prevent or treat dehydration, which is a common cause of low urine output in children. The nurse should offer the child oral rehydration fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, and monitor the urine output, vital signs, and hydration status.
Choice D reason: Notifying the provider is not the first action, as it is not the most urgent or effective intervention for low urine output. The nurse should notify the provider after providing oral rehydration fluids and assessing the child's response. The nurse should also report any signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, poor skin turgor, or lethargy. The provider may order further tests or treatments, such as blood tests, urine tests, or intravenous fluids.
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