The nurse performs an assessment of a child with pertussis (whooping cough). Which finding would the nurse identify as indicative of a potential complication?
A urinary output of 30 mL/hr
A white blood cell (WBC) count of 10.000 mm3 (10×109/L)
Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases
A weight gain
The Correct Answer is C
A. A urinary output of 30 mL/hr
Explanation: While decreased urinary output may indicate dehydration, it is not a specific finding related to pertussis. Dehydration can occur due to inadequate fluid intake or loss through vomiting or sweating.
B. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 10,000 mm3 (10×10^9/L)
Explanation: An elevated white blood cell count is a common finding in infections, including pertussis. It reflects the body's immune response to the infection. A WBC count of 10,000 mm3 is within the normal range, and while it indicates an inflammatory response, it does not specifically point to a complication.
C. Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases
Explanation:
Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Complications can arise, including pneumonia. Decreased breath sounds in the lung bases may suggest the presence of pneumonia, which is a serious complication of pertussis. Pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress and requires prompt medical attention.
D. A weight gain
Explanation: Weight gain is not typically associated with pertussis. In fact, respiratory distress and difficulty feeding during coughing paroxysms can lead to weight loss in infants with pertussis. Weight gain may be indicative of other unrelated factors.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 1 cup cooked rice: This exceeds the 1 oz serving size and is more than what the nurse is recommending.
B. Flour tortilla: The size of a flour tortilla can vary, but it often exceeds the 1 oz serving size, so it may provide more than the recommended amount.
C. 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal flakes: The volume of cereal can vary, and 1 cup of cereal may provide more than 1 oz of grains, depending on the type and density of the cereal.
D. 1 slice whole wheat bread: A standard slice of whole wheat bread typically provides around 1 oz of grains, making it an appropriate choice for the recommended serving size.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Symptoms are continuous throughout the day:
Incorrect: Continuous symptoms throughout the day are more indicative of moderate or severe persistent asthma, not mild persistent asthma.
B. Daytime symptoms occur more than twice a week:
Correct Answer: Children with mild persistent asthma may experience symptoms more than twice a week, but less than once a day.
C. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is greater than or equal to 80% of the predicted value:In mild persistent asthma, pulmonary function tests (e.g., PEF or FEV1) remain normal or close to normal, with values typically ≥80% of the predicted value, reflecting good lung function between episodes.
D. Nighttime symptoms occur approximately twice a month:
Mild persistent asthma often involves nighttime symptoms or awakenings occurring 3–4 times per month. If nighttime symptoms occur more frequently (e.g., once weekly), it suggests moderate persistent asthma.
E. Minor limitations occur with normal activity:Children with mild persistent asthma may experience minor limitations in their normal activities. These limitations are not severe and do not significantly impact daily life.
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