The nurse is caring for a child with acute renal failure. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse recognize as a sign of hyperkalemia?

 

Choice A reason:

Adequate oxygenation is important in managing vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis, but the replacement of factor V is not relevant to this condition. Factor V is involved in the blood clotting process, and its replacement is typically associated with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for managing a vaso-occlusive crisis.

Choice B reason:

Adequate hydration and pain management are critical components of care for a child in vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. Hydration helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood, which can prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow. Pain management is essential because vaso-occlusive crises are extremely painful and require prompt and effective pain relief, often with opioid analgesics. These measures help to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Choice C reason:

Pain management is indeed a crucial aspect of care for vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis, but the administration of heparin is not typically part of the treatment. Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, and it is not indicated for managing vaso-occlusive crises. The focus should be on hydration and pain relief rather than anticoagulation.

Choice D reason:

Correction of acidosis may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the primary focus of care for vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. The main goals are to manage pain and ensure adequate hydration to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of further sickling of red blood cells. While addressing acidosis can be part of the overall management, it is not the primary intervention.

The correct answer is a) Positive Ortolani click, b) Unequal gluteal folds, c) Trendelenburg sign, and e) Telescoping of the affected limb.

Choice A reason:

A positive Ortolani click is a clinical manifestation of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The Ortolani maneuver is used to detect hip dislocation or subluxation in infants. When the hip is abducted and gentle pressure is applied to the proximal thigh from behind, a palpable “clunk” is noticed as the femoral head relocates into the acetabulum. This indicates hip instability, which is a characteristic of DDH.

Choice B reason:

Unequal gluteal folds are another clinical manifestation of DDH. Asymmetrical gluteal creases can suggest hip dysplasia in infants. This is because the dislocation or subluxation of the hip can cause one leg to appear shorter than the other, leading to uneven gluteal folds.

Choice C reason:

The Trendelenburg sign is a clinical test used to assess the integrity and strength of the hip abductor muscles, particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. A positive Trendelenburg sign usually indicates weakness in these muscles, which can be associated with hip abnormalities such as congenital hip dislocation3. In DDH, the hip instability can lead to a positive Trendelenburg sign.

Choice D reason:

A negative Babinski sign is not a clinical manifestation of DDH. The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex in infants up to 2 years old, where the big toe moves upward and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked. A negative Babinski sign would indicate the absence of this reflex, which is not related to DDH.

Choice E reason:

Telescoping of the affected limb is a clinical manifestation of DDH. In a child with DDH, the hip socket is shallow, and the head of the femur may slip in and out, leading to a telescoping effect. This means the femoral head can move further out of the socket, causing the limb to appear shorter or longer depending on the position.