a nurse is providing care to a child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

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Pediatric HESI Test Bank

1. When caring for a child diagnosed with bronchiolitis, what is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention aims to maintain airway patency, optimize oxygenation, and support effective breathing. Administering bronchodilators, though important, may not be the initial priority as respiratory therapy takes precedence in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial but is usually part of the ongoing assessment following the initiation of respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake is essential for hydration but is not the priority intervention when addressing the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.

2. An order is written for an isotonic enema for a 2-year-old child. What is the maximum amount of fluid the nurse should administer without a specific order from the healthcare provider?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 2-year-old child, the maximum recommended amount of fluid for an isotonic enema is between 155 to 250 mL. This range is considered safe to prevent overdistension and potential harm to the child's rectum. Choices A, C, and D exceed the safe range for a 2-year-old child and can lead to complications such as bowel perforation or electrolyte imbalances.

3. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

4. What is an essential nursing action when caring for a young child with severe diarrhea?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Promoting perianal skin integrity is crucial when caring for a young child with severe diarrhea to prevent skin breakdown from the irritation caused by frequent bowel movements. Maintaining the IV (Choice A) may be important for hydration but is not directly related to managing skin integrity. Taking daily weights (Choice B) is important for monitoring fluid balance but does not address the immediate need to prevent skin breakdown. While replacing lost calories (Choice C) is important, it is not the priority when a child is experiencing severe diarrhea and skin integrity is at risk.

5. A child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child has coarctation of the aorta, the nurse would expect to identify a weak radial pulse when taking the child's vital signs. Coarctation of the aorta results in a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow and a weakened pulse. An irregular heartbeat (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with coarctation of the aorta. Similarly, a bounding femoral pulse (Choice C) is not typically observed with this condition. An elevated radial blood pressure (Choice D) is less common as coarctation of the aorta usually causes decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities due to the aortic narrowing.

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