The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old who is 2 days post-operative from a laparoscopic appendectomy. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the following vital signs: 37,1°C (98.8°F), a pain rating of 3 out of 10, and breath sounds are diminished in the lower lobes. What action should the nurse take first?
Maintain prone positioning.
Request a laboratory prescription for a white blood cell count.
Administer prescribed acetaminophen.
Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Prone positioning is not recommended post-operatively for abdominal surgery and could exacerbate respiratory issues.
B. While monitoring white blood cell count is important, encouraging lung expansion and preventing complications such as atelectasis is a more immediate priority.
C. The client's pain rating is low and does not necessitate immediate administration of acetaminophen.
D. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer helps improve lung expansion, which is crucial to prevent atelectasis and promote proper oxygenation, particularly when breath sounds are diminished.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hypertension (blood pressure of 136/92 mm Hg) in a child with acute pyelonephritis can indicate a severe condition that may lead to renal damage or worsening kidney function. Immediate intervention is necessary to manage high blood pressure and prevent complications.
B. A heart rate of 100 bpm is within normal limits for a 7-year-old and does not require immediate action.
C. Decreased urine output is concerning and needs monitoring, but hypertension is the more urgent issue.
D. Tea-colored urine suggests hematuria or concentrated urine, which is important but not as immediately life-threatening as high blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Regular testing of urine for glucose is not specific to nephrotic syndrome and is more relevant for managing diabetes.
B. Weighing the child on the same scale each day is essential for monitoring fluid status and detecting early signs of fluid retention or loss, which are critical in managing nephrotic syndrome.
C. Increasing oral fluid intake may not be recommended due to the risk of fluid retention and edema, which are common in nephrotic syndrome.
D. While monitoring potassium levels is necessary when on diuretics like furosemide, a low-potassium diet is not routinely required unless hyperkalemia is present.