When changing a diaper on a 2-day-old infant, the practical nurse (PN) observes that the baby's legs are flexed with limited abduction. Based on this finding, what action should the PN take next?
Perform range of motion to the joint.
Continue care since this is a normal finding.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Document the finding in the record.
The Correct Answer is C
Limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. The practical nurse (PN) should notify the healthcare provider of this finding so that further assessment and appropriate intervention can be initiated.
Performing range of motion to the joint (A) is not appropriate without a healthcare provider's order. Continuing care as if this is a normal finding (B) is not appropriate because limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of DDH. While documenting the finding in the record (D) is important, notifying the healthcare provider is the most important action for the PN to take next.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take while caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg is to remove clothing and cover the burned area with a cool damp cloth. This will help to cool the burn and reduce pain.
Anticipating rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline (Option A) is an important intervention for burn patients, but it is not the first priority. Completely flushing the burned area with water or sterile saline (Option C) may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. Collecting data such as vital signs, blood gases, height and weight (Option D) is also important, but it is not the first priority.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This could indicate reduced blood flow to the affected arm, which may be a sign of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention by a registered nurse (RN). The other options may also require intervention, but they are not as urgent as the situation described in option B.
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