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 ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. The child needs to avoid exposure to other illnesses.
Explanation: Children with AIDS have compromised immune systems and are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is important to minimize exposure to other illnesses to reduce the risk of infections.
B. Frequent handwashing is important.
Explanation: Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of infections. Encouraging frequent handwashing is crucial in the care of a child with AIDS.
C. Clean up body fluid spills with bleach solution (10:1 ratio of water to bleach).
Explanation: Using a bleach solution to clean up body fluid spills helps to disinfect and reduce the risk of transmission of infections. The recommended ratio is 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.
D. Monitor the child's weight.
Explanation: Monitoring the child's weight is important for assessing nutritional status and overall health. Weight loss may indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
E. The child's immunization schedule will need revision.
Explanation: Children with AIDS may have altered immune function, but the need for immunizations is still crucial. However, live vaccines may need to be avoided. The immunization schedule should be discussed and individualized with the healthcare provider.
F. Fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea are expected to occur and do not require special intervention.
Explanation: While these symptoms may occur, they should not be dismissed without evaluation. Any changes in the child's health, including symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea, should be reported to the healthcare provider for appropriate assessment and intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Orthopnea
Explanation:
Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing that occurs when lying flat. In heart failure, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, leading to respiratory distress when the child is in a supine position. Orthopnea is a common symptom of heart failure in both adults and children.
B. Bradycardia
Explanation: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical finding in heart failure. Heart failure often leads to compensatory mechanisms, including an increased heart rate (tachycardia), to maintain cardiac output.
C. Weight loss
Explanation: Weight loss is not a typical finding in heart failure. In fact, heart failure in children may lead to fluid retention and weight gain rather than weight loss.
D. Increased urine output
Explanation: Heart failure in toddlers is more likely to be associated with decreased urine output rather than increased urine output. Reduced cardiac output can result in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, leading to decreased urine production and potential fluid retention. Increased urine output is not a characteristic finding in heart failure.
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