The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a child who was admited after experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. When witnessing the child begin the seizure, what should the PN implement immediately? (Select all that apply)
Observe the progression of the seizure
Hold the extremities close to the body
Insert a tongue blade between the teeth
Pad the side rails with pillows
Loosen clothing around the neck
Correct Answer : A,D,E
The correct answers are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure.
- Pad the side rails with pillows.
- Loosen clothing around the neck.
Explanation: During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. The correct actions to implement immediately are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure: The PN should closely observe the seizure to gather important information that can be helpful for medical professionals in assessing the seizure's characteristics and duration.
- Pad the side rails with pillows: Padding the side rails of the bed with pillows helps to prevent the child
from injuring themselves by hitting the side rails during the seizure.
- Loosen clothing around the neck: Loosening any tight clothing around the child's neck helps to ensure adequate breathing and prevent any constriction or discomfort during the seizure.
- Hold the extremities close to the body: This action is not recommended during a seizure as it may increase the risk of injury to the child or the PN.
- Insert a tongue blade between the teeth: It is not recommended to insert any object, including a tongue blade, between the teeth of a person experiencing a seizure. This can cause injury to the person's mouth or teeth and is no longer considered an appropriate intervention for seizures.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing expiratory flow time is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The client's pH and PaCO2 levels suggest respiratory acidosis, which indicates inadequate ventilation. Increasing expiratory flow time might exacerbate the acidosis by reducing ventilation.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the rate of ventilation (respiratory rate) is a potential intervention to improve the client's acid-base balance. However, it should be done cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid respiratory alkalosis. It is not the first-line intervention in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the ventilator tidal volume may help improve ventilation, but it should also be done under medical guidance to prevent barotrauma. It is not the initial intervention to address the client's respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer and explanation is:
c) Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.
This is the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Calling the healthcare provider and clarifying the prescription is the safest and most effective way to prevent medication errors and ensure the child's safety.
The PN should not administer the medication until they are sure that it is correct and appropriate for the child.
a) Tell the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage is not appropriate, as it may cause confusion, delay, or conflict with the healthcare provider's orders. The PN should not assume that they know the correct dosage for the child without consulting with the healthcare provider.
b) Ask another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Asking another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children is not helpful, as it may not provide accurate or reliable information. The PN should not rely on another nurse's opinion or experience without verifying it with the healthcare provider.
d) Request verification of the prescription by the charge nurse.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Requesting verification of the prescription by the charge nurse is not necessary, as it may waste time and resources. The PN should be able to communicate directly with the healthcare provider and clarify any doubts or concerns about the prescription.
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