The child is a 2-year-old who fell into a pool. He was retrieved from the pool by a family member but was not breathing. The family member started CPR, and the ambulance brought him to the hospital.

What factors are important in determining the level of hypoxemia that the child may have experienced during the submersion?

Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Serum sodium level. Rationale: While electrolyte imbalances can be significant, in the context of purulent drainage at a postoperative site, monitoring serum sodium levels is not the top priority. Other laboratory values are more relevant in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Hematocrit. Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Neutrophil count. Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response, particularly against bacterial infections. Elevated neutrophil counts can indicate an ongoing infection, so monitoring this value is important when assessing purulent wound drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Platelet count. Rationale: Platelet count measures the number of blood clotting cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

Based on the collected data, the nurse recognizes that the client is most likely exhibiting signs of Stroke as evidenced by Neurological defects and Garbled speech. The symptoms of facial drooping, garbled speech, and high blood pressure are common signs of a stroke. However, it’s important to get a professional medical diagnosis as soon as possible. Please seek immediate medical attention.

Choice A rationale:

Intoxication is a plausible explanation for the client’s symptoms, especially given the report of alcohol consumption. However, intoxication typically does not cause facial drooping, which is a common sign of neurological issues such as a stroke. Therefore, while intoxication may contribute to the client’s condition, it is not the most likely primary cause.

Choice B rationale:

Stroke is a medical emergency that often presents with facial drooping and garbled speech, both of which are observed in this client. A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cells dying in minutes. The client’s high blood pressure (210/98 mm Hg) is a significant risk factor for stroke. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg.

Choice C rationale:

An allergic reaction could cause various symptoms, but it typically does not result in facial drooping or garbled speech. Common signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, redness, and swelling of the skin, as well as difficulty breathing in severe cases (anaphylaxis). There is no mention of these symptoms in the client’s presentation.

Choice D rationale:

Malignant hypertension is a possibility given the client’s extremely high blood pressure reading. This condition refers to severe hypertension that can quickly lead to organ damage. However, while it can cause neurological symptoms if it leads to a hypertensive crisis, the specific symptoms of facial drooping and garbled speech are more indicative of a stroke. In conclusion, based on the collected data, the nurse recognizes that the client is most likely exhibiting signs of a stroke as evidenced by neurological defects (facial drooping and garbled speech). The client’s high blood pressure and reported alcohol consumption are both risk factors for stroke. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential complications.