The nurse is providing care to a 4-month-old infant in the emergency department. Upon assessment, the infant is noted to be experiencing tachypnea, wheezing, retractions, and nasal flaring. The infant has large amounts of nasal drainage. The infant is irritable, and the pulse ox reading is currently at 85% on room air. The parents state the symptoms have been consistent for about two days, but they brought the child in due to concerns for dehydration with decreased milk intake. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate for this infant?

Choice A reason: Movement of all extremities is expected and does not indicate a shunt malfunction.
Choice B reason: A negative Brudzinski sign is a normal finding and does not suggest a shunt malfunction.
Choice C reason: While incisional pain is common after surgery, it is not a specific indicator of shunt malfunction.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. A bulging fontanel can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which may suggest a shunt malfunction.

The correct answer is: c. In an emergency, a court order can be obtained for the patient to receive blood transfusions.

Choice A: The patient can only receive blood that has been donated by family members.

Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, including those from family members, due to their religious beliefs. They believe that both the Old and New Testaments command them to abstain from blood (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts 15:28, 29). Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Choice B: Under no circumstances will the patient receive blood products.

While Jehovah’s Witnesses generally refuse blood transfusions, there are exceptional circumstances where medical professionals can seek a court order to administer blood transfusions, especially in life-threatening situations involving minors. Thus, this statement is not entirely accurate.

Choice C: In an emergency, a court order can be obtained for the patient to receive blood transfusions.

In life-threatening emergencies, especially involving minors, courts can intervene and issue orders to administer necessary medical treatments, including blood transfusions, despite parental objections based on religious beliefs. This ensures the child’s right to life and health is protected. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Choice D: The patient can receive volume expanders.

Volume expanders can be used to increase blood volume and maintain circulation, but they do not carry oxygen or replace lost blood cells. While they are an option for managing blood loss, they are not a substitute for blood transfusions in severe cases of anemia or blood loss, which are common in leukemia patients. Thus, this option is not entirely correct.