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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In this situation, the practical nurse (PN) should coach the client to take slow, deep breaths during each contraction. The client has already been medicated with butorphanol and promethazine for pain relief and it may not be appropriate to administer another dose at this time. Instead, the PN can provide non- pharmacological pain relief measures such as coaching the client to use breathing techniques to help manage the pain during contractions. The other actions listed may also be appropriate in some situations, but coaching the client to use breathing techniques is the most appropriate action in this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Albuminuria, or the presence of albumin in the urine, is an early sign of relapse in a toddler with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has been treated with corticosteroids. MCNS is a kidney disorder that can cause the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to albuminuria. The practical nurse should recognize this finding as an early sign of relapse and take appropriate action to manage the child's condition.
The other answers are incorrect because they are not directly related to the early signs of relapse in a toddler with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has been treated with corticosteroids.
- Increased thirst is not a known early sign of relapse in MCNS.
- Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not a known early sign of relapse in MCNS.
- A rounded face can be a side effect of corticosteroid treatment, but it is not an early sign of relapse in MCNS.
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