What is an important nursing consideration when suctioning a young child who has had heart surgery?
Expect symptoms of respiratory distress when suctioning.
Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning.
Perform suctioning at least every hour.
Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning.
Choice A rationale:
Expect symptoms of respiratory distress when suctioning. While respiratory distress can occur during and after suctioning, it is not the main nursing consideration. The primary goal is to minimize any potential complications and ensure the child's safety during the procedure, which can be achieved by following appropriate guidelines.
Choice B rationale:
Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning. Correct Answer. Administering supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning is crucial to maintain adequate oxygenation during and after the procedure. Suctioning can temporarily decrease oxygen levels and cause desaturation, especially in a child who has undergone heart surgery. Providing supplemental oxygen helps prevent hypoxia and supports respiratory function.
Choice C rationale:
Perform suctioning at least every hour. Frequent suctioning at least every hour is not a standard nursing practice, especially for a child who has had heart surgery. Suctioning should only be performed as needed based on the child's clinical condition, and excessive suctioning can irritate the airway and lead to complications.
Choice D rationale:
Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time. While limiting the duration of suctioning is important to prevent hypoxia and trauma to the airway, the specific duration of 30 seconds is not a universal rule. Suctioning should be performed for the shortest effective duration to minimize the risk of complications, but the optimal time can vary based on the child's condition and the type of suctioning being used.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Rotavirus.
Choice A rationale:
Rotavirus is a viral pathogen that frequently causes acute diarrhea in young children. It is highly contagious and is responsible for a significant portion of severe diarrhea cases worldwide. Rotavirus infections are most common in infants and young children, and they can lead to dehydration, especially in developing countries where access to clean water and proper sanitation might be limited.

Choice B rationale:
Salmonella organisms can cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections that lead to diarrhea. However, they are more commonly associated with bacterial infections rather than viral-induced acute diarrhea.
Choice C rationale:
Shigella organisms are also bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea, specifically bacillary dysentery. While they can cause severe diarrhea, they are not the viral pathogen typically responsible for acute diarrhea in young children.
Choice D rationale:
Giardia organisms are parasites that can cause gastrointestinal infections leading to diarrhea. However, they are not viruses, and they are less commonly associated with acute diarrhea in children compared to rotavirus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased appetite is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are known to affect various metabolic processes, and one of the effects is an increase in appetite. This can lead to weight gain, especially when the increased calorie intake is not balanced by physical activity.
Choice B rationale:
Fever is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which can help in managing conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory disorders. Fever is not a direct result of corticosteroid administration.
Choice C rationale:
Weight loss is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. In fact, corticosteroids are more likely to cause weight gain due to their influence on appetite, metabolism, and fluid retention.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can indeed be a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to sodium and water retention, which can contribute to increased blood pressure, particularly in individuals who are already at risk for hypertension. However, among the options provided, increased appetite is a more directly associated side effect of corticosteroid therapy.
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