The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old who has an acute head injury, has a pediatric Glasgow coma score of 9. and is unconscious. Which interventions should the nurse include in the child's care plan?
Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees with head maintained a midline position.
Maintain an active stimulating environment
Perform active chest percussion and suctioning every 1 to 2 hours.
Instruct child on preforming active range of motion
The Correct Answer is A
A. Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees with head maintained a midline position.
Correct Explanation: This intervention is appropriate for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed helps reduce intracranial pressure by facilitating venous drainage from the head. However, it's important to keep the head in a midline position to prevent neck flexion, which can obstruct venous flow. Elevating the head 15 to 30 degrees is a standard approach for managing intracranial pressure in patients with head injuries.
B. Maintain an active stimulating environment.
Incorrect Explanation: Maintaining an active stimulating environment is not suitable for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: A child with an acute head injury should be in a quiet and calm environment. Overstimulation can worsen the condition by increasing intracranial pressure. It's important to minimize stimuli to allow the brain to heal.
C. Perform active chest percussion and suctioning every 1 to 2 hours.
Incorrect Explanation: Chest percussion and suctioning are not relevant interventions for an acute head injury.
Explanation: Active chest percussion and suctioning are typically used to manage respiratory conditions. While maintaining good respiratory function is important for overall patient care, it's not a primary intervention for an unconscious child with a head injury.
D. Instruct child on performing active range of motion.
Incorrect Explanation: Instructing the child on performing active range of motion is not appropriate for an unconscious child with a head injury.
Explanation: An unconscious child cannot actively perform range of motion exercises. Additionally, it's not a priority intervention in the acute phase of head injury management.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Fluid Requirement (mL/24 hours) = Weight (kg) × Fluid Requirement (mL/kg)
Given that the child weighs 70.4 pounds, we first need to convert this weight to kilograms (1 lb = 0.453592 kg):
Weight in kg = 70.4 lb × 0.453592 kg/lb ≈ 31.89 kg
Now, let's calculate the fluid requirement using the given choices:
A) 1740:
Fluid Requirement = 31.89 kg × 55 mL/kg = 1753.95 mL
B) 134056:
This number is significantly larger than any reasonable fluid requirement and is likely an error.
C) 2:
This value is far too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.
D) 12:
This value is also too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.
So, the correct answer is A) 1740 mL. The child's estimated daily fluid requirement would be around 1740 mL in a 24-hour period, based on a weight of 70.4 pounds.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Place a pillow under the child's head.
Explanation: While providing comfort is important, the priority in this scenario is to ensure the child's safety. Placing a pillow under the head can be considered after addressing immediate safety concerns.
B. Clear the area of hazards.
Explanation: Correct Choice. Ensuring the area is clear of hazards is the nurse's priority. During a seizure, the child can experience uncontrolled movements, and having hazards around can lead to injuries. Clearing the area helps prevent harm. But priority is to position the child side lying.
C. Position the child side-lying.
Explanation: Correct Choice. Placing the child in a side-lying position helps prevent choking and aspiration due to vomiting during the seizure. It also minimizes the risk of airway obstruction and helps manage secretions.
D. Loosen restrictive clothing.
Explanation: While loosening restrictive clothing can facilitate breathing, the priority in this situation is addressing safety concerns related to the seizure and vomiting. Ensuring a clear and safe environment takes precedence.
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