a 4 year old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatric Practice Exam HESI

1. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted to the hospital with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction. Keeping the child NPO helps prevent further compromise of the airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but ensuring the airway is not compromised takes precedence. Providing humidified oxygen is important for respiratory support, but not the priority over maintaining a patent airway. Positioning the child upright can help with breathing and comfort, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of airway compromise associated with epiglottitis.

2. The nurse is caring for a child and family who just moved out of a dangerous neighborhood. Which of the following approaches is appropriate based on the family stress theory?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the child's coping abilities is appropriate based on the family stress theory because it helps the nurse understand how well the child can manage and adapt to the stressors related to the move. This assessment can guide interventions to support the child's emotional well-being and adjustment. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to assessing the child's coping abilities and may not address the child's immediate needs during this stressful time.

3. While waiting for the administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, the boy passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the practitioner. The passage of a normal brown stool in a child with intussusception could indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. It is crucial to inform the practitioner immediately so that they can reassess the situation and determine the next steps, which may include adjusting the planned intervention. Measuring abdominal girth (choice B) may be important in assessing for abdominal distension but is not the most immediate action required in this scenario. Auscultating for bowel sounds (choice C) is a routine nursing assessment but does not take precedence over notifying the practitioner in this critical situation. Taking vital signs, including blood pressure (choice D), is also important but notifying the practitioner is more urgent to address the unexpected change in the patient's condition.

4. What behavior is essential for preventing in a child postoperatively after undergoing heart surgery to repair defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing straining at stool is crucial postoperatively after heart surgery for tetralogy of Fallot to avoid increasing intrathoracic pressure and placing stress on the surgical site. This can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. While crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement are common postoperative behaviors, they are not specifically linked to worsening outcomes in this context. Straining at stool is particularly emphasized due to its potential to impact the surgical site and overall recovery process.

5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is admitted to the hospital with a fever. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia admitted to the hospital with a fever is to monitor for signs of infection. Children with leukemia are immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and timely intervention, which is crucial in preventing complications. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but the priority is to assess for signs of infection first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause, which could be an infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is important for overall health but is not the priority when a child with leukemia presents with a fever, as infection needs to be ruled out or managed first.

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