a 4 year old child is brought to the emergency department with a suspected fracture what is the priority nursing action
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatrics HESI 2023

1. A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a suspected fracture. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when a child with a suspected fracture is brought to the emergency department is to immobilize the affected limb. Immobilization helps prevent further injury until a fracture is confirmed or ruled out. Applying ice or elevating the limb can wait until after immobilization has been achieved. Checking the child's neurovascular status is important but is not the priority action in this situation.

2. A 13-year-old girl tells the nurse at the pediatric clinic that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. She adds that her grandfather, with whom she, her younger sisters, and her mother live, has repeatedly molested her for the past 3 years. When the nurse asks the girl if she has told this to anyone, she replies, 'Yes, but my mother doesn’t believe me.' Legally, who should the nurse notify?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify Child Protective Services for immediate intervention. The girl disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by her grandfather, which is a serious concern requiring immediate protection and intervention by the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services are trained to handle cases of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child. While notifying the police about a possible sex crime is crucial, Child Protective Services should be the first point of contact in cases of suspected child abuse due to their specialized role. Confirming the pregnancy through a healthcare provider is not the priority at this moment, as ensuring the safety of the child is paramount. Informing the girl's mother about the positive test result is not appropriate given the lack of belief in the abuse disclosure and the potential risk to the child's safety.

3. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, it is crucial to administer most of the volume during the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. This rapid administration is essential to stabilize the child's condition. Choices A and B are incorrect because the initial fluid replacement in burns typically involves administering crystalloids, not colloids, and the fluid replacement is generally calculated based on the extent of the burn injury, not the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr is not recommended in burn patients; instead, urine output should be monitored to achieve 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion.

4. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It is crucial for the parents to follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing following cardiac surgery. Option A is incorrect because the timing of antibiotic administration may vary depending on the specific medication and instructions. Option C is not necessary and could potentially affect the antibiotic's effectiveness. Option D is not relevant to the administration of the antibiotic and does not ensure proper usage.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

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