When measuring a 6-month-old baby in the hospital for seizures, the nurse obtains a head circumference that is up 1 cm from the last measurement one week ago. The nurse re-measures and gets the same number What is the best next step?
Assume you made a mistake and report out the same head circumference as the before
Take Vital Signs
Report to the MD/NP/PA in charge of the patient the head circumference that you obtained as well as the patient's current status. Expect that they will also re-measure
Move your measuring tape to above the mid-forehead, so that your number matches the findings from the week before.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assume you made a mistake and report out the same head circumference as before.
Incorrect Explanation: Assuming a mistake without taking proper action might not be the best approach.
Explanation: While it's good to consider the possibility of human error, healthcare professionals should prioritize accurate measurements and follow appropriate protocols when discrepancies arise.
B. Take Vital Signs.
Incorrect Explanation: Taking vital signs might not directly address the concern about the head circumference measurement.
Explanation: Vital signs (like heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure) are important indicators of a patient's overall health, but they may not directly address the issue of the head circumference measurement discrepancy.
C. Report to the MD/NP/PA in charge of the patient the head circumference that you obtained as well as the patient's current status. Expect that they will also re-measure.
Correct Explanation: This is the best next step.
Explanation: When there's a discrepancy in a critical measurement like head circumference, it's important to communicate this to the responsible healthcare provider (MD/NP/PA). They need to be aware of any changes in the patient's condition and measurements, and they will likely want to re-measure or reassess the situation themselves to ensure accuracy.
D. Move your measuring tape to above the mid-forehead, so that your number matches the findings from the week before.
Incorrect Explanation: Fudging measurements to match previous data is not a professional or ethical approach.
Explanation: Altering measurements to match previous values, especially without proper indication, is not a responsible practice in healthcare. It's essential to ensure accurate and honest documentation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Reflexes play a crucial role in evaluating the neurological status of infants.
Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, the Moro reflex is a normal response in infants. It occurs when an infant is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby responds by extending their arms and legs, followed by a quick contraction. This reflex usually disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Tonic neck reflex (fencer's reflex): This reflex involves turning an infant's head to one side, causing the arm on that side to extend and the opposite arm to flex. It's a normal reflex that typically disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Withdrawal reflex: The withdrawal reflex is a normal response to a stimulus, such as touching a baby's foot with a cold object. The baby will pull their leg away in response to the stimulus.
Symptomatic of decorticate or decerebrate posturing (options A and B):
Decorticate and decerebrate posturing are abnormal postures seen in individuals with severe brain damage or injury. Decorticate posturing involves the arms being flexed and held close to the body, while decerebrate posturing involves the arms being extended and the wrists being pronated. These reflexes are typically indicative of significant neurological dysfunction and are not expected in a 2-month-old infant after a car accident.
Indicators of severe brain damage (option C):
The reflexes described (Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes) are not indicative of severe brain damage in a 2-month-old infant. These reflexes are normal for an infant of this age and are part of their typical neurological development.
Normal findings (option D):
The reflexes described are normal findings in a 2-month-old infant and are expected as part of their developmental milestones.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees with head maintained a midline position.
Correct Explanation: This intervention is appropriate for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed helps reduce intracranial pressure by facilitating venous drainage from the head. However, it's important to keep the head in a midline position to prevent neck flexion, which can obstruct venous flow. Elevating the head 15 to 30 degrees is a standard approach for managing intracranial pressure in patients with head injuries.
B. Maintain an active stimulating environment.
Incorrect Explanation: Maintaining an active stimulating environment is not suitable for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: A child with an acute head injury should be in a quiet and calm environment. Overstimulation can worsen the condition by increasing intracranial pressure. It's important to minimize stimuli to allow the brain to heal.
C. Perform active chest percussion and suctioning every 1 to 2 hours.
Incorrect Explanation: Chest percussion and suctioning are not relevant interventions for an acute head injury.
Explanation: Active chest percussion and suctioning are typically used to manage respiratory conditions. While maintaining good respiratory function is important for overall patient care, it's not a primary intervention for an unconscious child with a head injury.
D. Instruct child on performing active range of motion.
Incorrect Explanation: Instructing the child on performing active range of motion is not appropriate for an unconscious child with a head injury.
Explanation: An unconscious child cannot actively perform range of motion exercises. Additionally, it's not a priority intervention in the acute phase of head injury management.
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