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 B
Explanation
Choice A: Take naproxen for generalized discomfort
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help with generalized discomfort. However, NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. They can also increase the risk of kidney damage and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in individuals with heart failure. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid NSAIDs and use alternative pain relief methods, such as acetaminophen, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Choice B: Notify the provider of a weight gain of 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a week
Monitoring weight is crucial for individuals with heart failure, as sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure. A weight gain of 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a week is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. This allows for timely intervention to adjust medications or other treatments to prevent further complications. Regular weight monitoring helps in early detection of fluid buildup and effective management of heart failure.
Choice C: Take diuretics early in the morning and before bedtime
Diuretics are commonly prescribed to help reduce fluid buildup in individuals with heart failure. However, taking diuretics before bedtime can lead to frequent nighttime urination, disrupting sleep. It is generally recommended to take diuretics early in the morning to minimize this issue. If a second dose is needed, it should be taken in the early afternoon to avoid nighttime disturbances.
Choice D: Exercise at least three times per week
Regular exercise is beneficial for individuals with heart failure as it helps improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and reduce symptoms. However, the exercise regimen should be tailored to the individual’s condition and capabilities. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a safe and effective exercise plan. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can also provide structured exercise guidance and support.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While some women may start producing milk as early as 24 to 48 hours after delivery, this is not the typical timeframe for most women. The initial milk produced is colostrum, which is different from the mature milk that comes in later.
Choice B reason: For most women, breast milk “comes in” around 3 to 5 days postpartum. This period marks the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which is more abundant and nutritionally rich. During this time, mothers may experience breast engorgement and increased milk production.
Choice C reason: Breast milk typically does not take about 10 days to come in. By this time, most women will have already transitioned to mature milk. If milk production has not started by this time, it may indicate a problem that requires medical attention.
Choice D reason: The timeframe of 6 to 8 days is also not typical for the initial onset of mature milk production. Most women will have their milk come in within the first week postpartum.