A nurse on a pediatric unit is reviewing her client assignment following the shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?
An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula.
A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring.
An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions.
A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula:
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be particularly severe in infants. The fact that the infant is receiving oxygen indicates respiratory distress, which is a critical condition requiring immediate attention. Infants with pertussis are at high risk for complications such as pneumonia, apnea, and respiratory failure. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first to ensure their airway and breathing are adequately supported.
Choice B reason: A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring:
While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in children with diabetes mellitus to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia, this condition is generally more stable and manageable compared to the acute respiratory distress seen in the infant with pertussis. Blood glucose monitoring can be scheduled and managed, making it a lower priority in this context.
Choice C reason: An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions:
Sickle cell crisis can be extremely painful and requires careful management. However, if the adolescent is ready for discharge, it indicates that their condition has stabilized. Providing discharge instructions is important but can be deferred until more critical patients are assessed.
Choice D reason: A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast:
While this toddler requires assistance with feeding due to their casts, this situation does not pose an immediate threat to their health. Feeding can be managed after ensuring that more critical patients, such as the infant with pertussis, are stable.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stop taking the pills and switch to a different contraceptive method:
This is not necessary for a single missed dose. Stopping the pills entirely and switching methods would be an overreaction and could lead to unnecessary complications. The standard recommendation for a missed dose is to take it as soon as remembered and continue with the regular schedule.
Choice B reason: Take a home pregnancy test:
Taking a home pregnancy test is not required immediately after missing a single dose of oral contraceptives, especially if it is the first week of the cycle. Pregnancy tests are typically recommended if there is a significant delay in the menstrual cycle or if multiple doses are missed.
Choice C reason: Do not have vaginal intercourse until after your next period:
This advice is overly cautious for a single missed dose. While it is important to use backup contraception if multiple doses are missed, abstaining from intercourse until the next period is not necessary for just one missed pill.
Choice D reason: Take the missed dose now, then continue the medication as ordered:
This is the correct course of action. According to guidelines, if a single hormonal pill is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, and the next pill should be taken at the usual time. This may mean taking two pills in one day, but it ensures continuous contraceptive protection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blurred vision:
While blurred vision can occur in some cases of meningitis, it is not one of the most common or definitive symptoms. Meningitis primarily affects the meninges, leading to symptoms like headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Blurred vision might be a secondary symptom due to increased intracranial pressure, but it is not as typical as other symptoms.
Choice B reason: Severe headache:
A severe headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis. This headache is often described as intense and different from typical headaches. It is caused by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The headache is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
Choice C reason: Oriented to person, place, and year:
Being oriented to person, place, and year indicates normal cognitive function. However, meningitis can cause confusion, altered mental status, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Therefore, this finding would not be expected in a client with meningitis.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with meningitis. Meningitis symptoms are more related to the central nervous system and include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Bradycardia might occur in other conditions but is not a common finding in meningitis.