When caring for an infant with an upper respiratory tract infection and elevated temperature, which appropriate nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Give tepid water baths to reduce fever.
Encourage food intake to maintain caloric needs.
Have child wear heavy clothing to prevent chilling.
Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
The Correct Answer is D
Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration is a common complication of upper respiratory tract infections in infants, especially if they have a fever. Giving small amounts of fluids frequently can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Some additional information about the other choices are:
Choice A is wrong because tepid water baths are not recommended for fever reduction. They can cause shivering, which increases heat production and can raise the
temperature further. Instead, antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given as prescribed.
Choice B is wrong because food intake may be decreased due to poor appetite, difficulty breathing, or sore throat. Forcing food intake can cause vomiting or aspiration. Fluid intake is more important than caloric intake during an acute infection.
Choice C is wrong because heavy clothing can increase heat retention and discomfort. The infant should be dressed in light clothing and the room temperature should be comfortable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Vernix caseosa is a cheese-like, whitish substance that fuses with the epidermis and serves as a protective coating for the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
- Choice B. Surfactant is a protein that lines the alveoli of the infant’s lungs and helps prevent them from collapsing.
- Choice C. Caput succedaneum is a swelling of the tissue over the presenting part of the fetal head caused by pressure during delivery.
- Choice D. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to reduced peripheral circulation.
Normal ranges for vernix caseosa are not applicable as it varies depending on the gestational age and skin maturity of the newborn. However, it is usually more abundant in preterm infants than in term or post-term infants.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
The presence or absence of anxiety is a noninvasive assessment that the RN would perform to evaluate the patient’s psychological status and possible signs of hypovolemic shock.
Anxiety can indicate reduced cerebral perfusion due to blood loss and low blood pressure.
Choice A is wrong because pulse oximetry is a noninvasive assessment that the RN would perform to measure the oxygen saturation of the patient’s blood, not the circulatory status.
Choice B is wrong because heart sounds are a noninvasive assessment that the RN would perform to auscultate the cardiac rhythm and rate of the patient, not the circulatory status.
Choice C is wrong because arterial pulses are a noninvasive assessment that the RN would perform to palpate the strength and quality of the patient’s peripheral pulses, not the circulatory status.
Choice D is wrong because skin color, temperature, and turgor are noninvasive assessments that the RN would perform to observe the skin integrity and hydration of the patient, not the circulatory status.
Normal ranges for pulse oximetry are 95% to 100%, for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute, and for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg.
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