When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, which symptom should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse?
Fever 101.0° F (38.3° C)
Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Barking cough, worse at night.
Cries often when nursing.
The Correct Answer is B
When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, the symptom that should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse is B.
Explanation:
A. A fever of 101.0°F (38.3°C) is a common symptom in many childhood illnesses, including croup, but it is not the primary concern when difficulty swallowing secretions is present.
B Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Croup is characterized by a barking cough and may also be associated with stridor (noisy breathing), hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing secretions. While all the symptoms mentioned can be concerning, difficulty swallowing secretions is a priority concern because it can potentially lead to respiratory distress if not managed appropriately. Thick secretions can cause airway obstruction, and prompt assessment and intervention are needed to ensure the child's airway remains clear and that the child is able to breathe effectively.
C. A barking cough, worse at night, is a classic symptom of croup and should be addressed, but difficulty swallowing secretions can have a more direct impact on the child's airway.
D. Crying often when nursing may be related to the discomfort caused by croup, but it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty swallowing secretions.
While the barking cough, hoarseness, and other croup symptoms should also be addressed, the priority is ensuring that the child is able to manage secretions effectively without respiratory distress. The telephone triage nurse should provide guidance to the mother on how to help the child manage these secretions and when to seek medical attention if the situation worsens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Evaluating the infant for failure to thrive (FTT) is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this case. FTT is a long-term growth issue, and the immediate concern is the infant's current symptoms and cardiac status.
B. Auscultate heart and lungs while the infant is held.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that includes four specific cardiac abnormalities, and it often requires surgical correction in infancy. When an infant with a history of TOF surgery presents with symptoms such as rapid breathing, feeding difficulties, and fatigue, it may raise concerns about potential cardiac issues or complications.
The most appropriate initial intervention is to auscultate the infant's heart and lungs while the infant is held to assess for any abnormal heart sounds or signs of respiratory distress. Auscultation can provide important information about the infant's cardiac and respiratory status. This assessment will help determine if there are any immediate concerns related to the infant's cardiac condition.
C. Stimulating the infant to cry to produce cyanosis is not a recommended or appropriate intervention. Cyanosis is a sign of inadequate oxygenation and should not be induced in a child.
D. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram may be indicated if there are significant concerns about the infant's cardiac status, but auscultation should be performed first to assess the immediate condition. An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic tool and would be ordered as a follow-up assessment if needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ensure placement of the enteral tube with an abdominal x-ray:Verifying enteral tube placement is essential for safety, but it is not related to maintaining the newborn's growth and development. Tube placement should already have been verified prior to initiating feedings.
B. Speak to the healthcare provider about instituting physical therapy:Physical therapy may be beneficial for infants with specific motor delays, but it is not a routine intervention for all infants recovering from gastroschisis.
C. Offer a pacifier for non-nutritive sucking:Non-nutritive sucking (e.g., using a pacifier) is crucial for the growth and development of newborns, especially those unable to feed orally. It helps promote oral-motor development, soothes the infant, and lays the foundation for transitioning to oral feeding. This is particularly important for an infant receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition to ensure they develop the skills and comfort needed for future oral feeding.
D. Use sterile technique during feedings:Clean technique is generally sufficientor routine enteral feedings unless there is a specific indication for sterility (e.g., immunocompromised clients). Further, this does not directly support growth and development.
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