The nurse notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of
- A. poor appetite
- B. increased potassium intake
- C. reduction of edema
- D. restriction to bed rest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: reduction of edema. In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is often a result of the reduction of edema. Acute glomerulonephritis causes fluid retention and edema due to kidney inflammation. As the inflammation resolves with treatment, the kidneys can excrete excess fluid, leading to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Poor appetite, increased potassium intake, and restriction to bed rest are not typically the primary reasons for weight loss in acute glomerulonephritis.
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The healthcare professional is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have their cast removed. What instruction would the professional most likely include?
- A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin.
- B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin.
- C. Soaking the area in warm water every day.
- D. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Soaking the area in warm water is the most appropriate instruction for a child who is having their cast removed. This method helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation. Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin (Choice A) is not recommended as it may not effectively aid in the removal of dead skin. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin irritation and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) may be too harsh, causing unnecessary irritation to the skin post-cast removal.
A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for:
- A. vomiting
- B. seizures
- C. combativeness
- D. respiratory distress
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, seizures are a significant concern. Febrile seizures can occur in children with high fevers and may lead to further complications. It is crucial to monitor for seizures and be prepared to manage them promptly. Vomiting, combativeness, and respiratory distress are also important considerations in pediatric patients; however, given the clinical presentation described, seizures take priority as they are a common complication in this scenario.
The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. "This is a challenging age for your child right now."
- B. "Could you elaborate on your challenges? I'm not clear on what you mean."
- C. "It's important to be consistent with toddlers when they need discipline."
- D. "I understand your concern. This phase is often referred to as the 'terrible twos'."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring boundaries and learning what behaviors are acceptable. By being consistent, parents can help reinforce these boundaries and teach appropriate behaviors effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not provide specific guidance on how to address the discipline issue effectively. While acknowledging the challenges of this age (Choice A) and empathizing with the parents (Choice D) are important, the key point in this scenario is to highlight the significance of consistency in discipline (Choice C).
A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?
- A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
- B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
- C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
- D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.
The nurse is caring for a child who has been admitted for a sickle cell crisis. What would the nurse do first to provide adequate pain management?
- A. Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as ordered.
- B. Use guided imagery and therapeutic touch.
- C. Administer meperidine as ordered.
- D. Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Initiating pain assessment with a standardized pain scale is crucial in effectively managing pain during a sickle cell crisis. This initial step helps the nurse understand the severity of the pain, which guides subsequent interventions. Administering medications, such as NSAIDs or meperidine, should only be done after a thorough pain assessment to ensure appropriate and individualized treatment. Using guided imagery and therapeutic touch may be beneficial as adjunct interventions, but they should not replace the essential first step of assessing the pain level accurately.