Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Cardiovascular Dysfunction Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Cardiovascular Dysfunction related questions and content

The nurse finds that a 6-month-old infant has an apical pulse of 166 beats/min during sleep. What nursing intervention is most appropriate at this time?

  • A. Administer oxygen.
  • B. Record data on the nurses notes.
  • C. Report data to the practitioner.
  • D. Place the child in the high Fowler position.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A sleeping pulse over 160 beats/min suggests tachycardia, an early sign of heart failure due to sympathetic stimulation, requiring practitioner evaluation. Oxygen or positioning may be needed later, but reporting is the priority. Recording alone delays intervention.