The practical nurse is caring for a child who has just returned from surgery for an appendectomy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage early ambulation.
- B. Apply warm compresses to the incision site.
- C. Monitor for signs of infection at the surgical site.
- D. Provide a high-fiber diet immediately post-op.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site is crucial after an appendectomy as it helps in early detection and treatment of any potential complications. This intervention is essential for ensuring the child's proper healing and recovery post-surgery. Encouraging early ambulation is generally beneficial post-operatively but may not be the priority immediately after an appendectomy. Applying warm compresses to the incision site may not be indicated as it can increase the risk of infection. Providing a high-fiber diet immediately post-op is not recommended as the digestive system needs time to recover from surgery.
You may also like to solve these questions
When obtaining the nursing history of a 7-year-old child admitted to the hospital with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), which finding should the nurse expect to obtain?
- A. High blood cholesterol level on routine screening.
- B. Increased thirst and urination.
- C. A recent strep throat infection.
- D. A recent DPT immunization.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When assessing a child with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), a common trigger to expect in the nursing history is a recent strep throat infection. AGN can be triggered by a streptococcal infection, leading to the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli. This finding is crucial as it helps identify a potential cause for the development of AGN in the child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as high blood cholesterol levels, increased thirst and urination, and recent DPT immunization are not directly associated with triggering acute glomerulonephritis in children.
A 16-year-old adolescent is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of meningitis. The nurse notes that the client has a severe headache and photophobia. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer prescribed pain medication
- B. Place the client in a dark, quiet room
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Encourage the client to rest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when a client with meningitis presents with a severe headache and photophobia is to place the client in a dark, quiet room. This intervention helps reduce stimuli that can exacerbate symptoms such as headache and photophobia. Creating a calm environment can provide relief and promote comfort for the client while also supporting their recovery. Administering pain medication may be necessary but ensuring a suitable environment takes precedence. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but is not the immediate priority. Encouraging rest is beneficial, but creating an appropriate environment to alleviate symptoms is the initial essential step.
A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?
- A. Place the child in a quiet environment
- B. Make a list of foods that the child likes
- C. Encourage the parents to rest when possible
- D. Apply lotion to hands and feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for a child with Kawasaki disease, presenting with irritability and skin peeling, is to place the child in a quiet environment. This helps reduce environmental stimuli, calming the child and aiding in managing the symptoms associated with the disease. Choice B is incorrect as addressing food preferences is not the priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as the focus should be on the child's immediate needs. Choice D is incorrect as applying lotion is not the first-line intervention for Kawasaki disease symptoms.
The healthcare provider is developing the plan of care for a hospitalized child with von Willebrand disease. What priority nursing intervention should be included in this child's plan of care?
- A. Reduce exposure to infection.
- B. Eliminate contact with cold objects.
- C. Guard against bleeding injuries.
- D. Reduce contact with other children.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Children with von Willebrand disease have a deficiency in a clotting protein, putting them at risk of bleeding episodes. The priority nursing intervention for a child with von Willebrand disease is to guard against bleeding injuries to prevent excessive bleeding or hemorrhage. Choices A, B, and D are not the priority interventions for von Willebrand disease. While reducing exposure to infection is important for any hospitalized child, it is not the priority for von Willebrand disease. Eliminating contact with cold objects is more relevant for conditions like Raynaud's disease. Reducing contact with other children is not a specific priority related to managing von Willebrand disease.
A 10-year-old child is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate?
- A. Elevated blood glucose.
- B. Decreased serum ketones.
- C. Low urine glucose.
- D. High bicarbonate levels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a case of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the primary feature is elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency. Additionally, ketones are increased in the blood and urine. Bicarbonate levels are usually low because of the metabolic acidosis that accompanies DKA. Therefore, the practical nurse should anticipate elevated blood glucose levels as a characteristic laboratory finding in a child admitted with DKA. Choice B is incorrect because serum ketones are increased in DKA. Choice C is incorrect because in DKA, urine glucose is typically high due to spillage of glucose into the urine. Choice D is incorrect because bicarbonate levels are usually low in DKA, not high.