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 ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Set the water heater at 65.6° C (150° F):
The recommended temperature for a water heater is around 49°C (120°F) to prevent burns. Setting it at 65.6°C (150°F) can lead to scald injuries.
B. Install accordion style gates: Accordion-style gates are not recommended because they can pose a strangulation risk. The safer option is to use gates with vertical or horizontal slats that are spaced closer together.
C. Fit the mattress so that it is snug against the sides of the crib: A snug-fitting mattress prevents gaps where the baby could get trapped or injured.
D. Tie plastic bags in knots before discarding them:
This prevents accidental suffocation or choking hazards that can occur if an infant gets hold of a plastic bag.
E. Serve food in small, non-circular pieces:Serving food in small, non-circular pieces reduces the risk of choking. Infants should be given age-appropriate foods to minimize the risk of choking, and cutting food into small, easy-to-manage pieces is recommended.
Correct Answer is ["260"]
Explanation
To calculate the total fluid intake, add the volumes of each item consumed:
Juice: ½ cup
1 cup = 240 mL
½ cup = 240 mL / 2 = 120 mL
Gelatin: 3 oz
1 oz ≈ 30 mL
3 oz = 3 * 30 mL = 90 mL
Ice pop: 1 oz
1 oz ≈ 30 mL
1 oz = 30 mL
Ginger ale: 20 mL
Now, add these values:
120 mL (juice) + 90 mL (gelatin) + 30 mL (ice pop) + 20 mL (ginger ale) = 260 mL
Therefore, the nurse should record 260 mL as the child's fluid intake.
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