ATI Pediatrics Test Bank Related

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An 8-month-old infant has a hypercyanotic spell while blood is being drawn. What is the priority nursing action?

  • A. Assess for neurologic defects
  • B. Place the child in the knee-chest position
  • C. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • D. Prepare family for imminent death
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When an 8-month-old infant has a hypercyanotic spell, the priority nursing action is to place the child in the knee-chest position. This position helps to increase venous return to the heart and improve systemic circulation, which can relieve the cyanosis by decreasing right-to-left shunting of blood. Placing the child in the knee-chest position helps optimize oxygenation and circulation, which is crucial during a hypercyanotic spell. Assessing for neurologic defects, beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or preparing the family for imminent death are not the priority actions during a hypercyanotic spell in this scenario.