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","E"]
Explanation
A."The manifestations are lessened by taking the prednisone every other day instead of daily."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics can be related to prolonged corticosteroid use. Adjusting the dosing schedule, such as administering prednisone every other day instead of daily, may help minimize these manifestations.
B."You need to be sure to talk to the doctor about the Cushingoid characteristics."
Explanation: Open communication with the healthcare provider is crucial. Discussing the concerns about Cushingoid characteristics with the doctor allows for appropriate evaluation and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.
C."Which manifestations of this condition do you find most troublesome?"
Explanation: This question opens the discussion to identify specific concerns and allows the nurse to address them individually.
D."I am sure it will be all right; they hardly look unusual."
Explanation: This statement may downplay the parents' concerns. It's essential to acknowledge their worries and provide accurate information about the potential impact of corticosteroids and the plan for managing Cushingoid characteristics.
E."The Cushingoid appearance will gradually disappear once the corticosteroids are tapered and discontinued."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics are associated with the side effects of corticosteroid use. The nurse should provide reassurance that, in many cases, these characteristics can gradually improve once the corticosteroid dose is tapered and eventually discontinued.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Possible sexual abuse.
Correct Answer: Chlamydial conjunctivitis in a child can raise concerns about possible sexual abuse. Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacterium responsible for chlamydial conjunctivitis, is commonly transmitted through contact with infected genital secretions. Therefore, the presence of chlamydial conjunctivitis in a child may warrant further investigation into the possibility of sexual abuse.
B. Possible trauma:
Incorrect: While trauma can cause eye-related symptoms, chlamydial conjunctivitis is specifically associated with an infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
C. Presence of an allergy:
Incorrect: Allergic conjunctivitis may cause itchy, red, and swollen eyes, but chlamydial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection and is not related to allergies.
D. Presence of a respiratory infection:
Incorrect: Chlamydial conjunctivitis is not typically associated with respiratory infections. It is primarily caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is more commonly linked to genital tract infections.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today