a 6 year old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatric HESI 2024

1. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, making breathing easier and relieving acute symptoms of asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations; they are more commonly used for allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are beneficial in reducing inflammation in asthma but are usually administered after bronchodilators to provide long-term control. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in severe cases of asthma exacerbation, but bronchodilators take precedence in improving airway patency and respiratory distress.

2. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is higher than the expected range and may indicate respiratory distress. This finding is concerning and should prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider for further evaluation and intervention. A temperature of 99.5°F, blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg, and heart rate of 100 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a 5-month-old infant. Elevated temperature may indicate a mild fever, which can be monitored. A blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg is within the normal range for infants. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is also within the expected range for a 5-month-old infant and does not typically require immediate notification of the health care provider.

3. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome is to monitor urine output. This is essential to assess kidney function and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Administering diuretics (Choice A) may be a part of the treatment plan but should not be the priority over monitoring urine output. Administering corticosteroids (Choice C) is a common treatment for nephrotic syndrome, but monitoring urine output takes precedence. Restricting fluid intake (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the priority intervention compared to monitoring urine output.

4. A child with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being evaluated for medication management. What is an important assessment for the nurse to perform?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the child's dietary intake is crucial in managing symptoms and ensuring proper nutrition in children with ADHD. Dietary factors can influence ADHD symptoms. While sleep patterns, academic performance, and behavior at home are important aspects to consider, dietary assessment plays a significant role in the management of ADHD.

5. A child is being assessed for suspected intussusception. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation that a nurse is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception is a medical emergency where a part of the intestine folds into itself, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and the build-up of gases and fluids. While currant jelly stools (Choice B) are a classic sign of intussusception, they are typically seen in later stages of the condition and may not be present during the initial assessment. Projectile vomiting (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis. Constipation (Choice D) is not a typical manifestation of intussusception; the condition usually presents with severe colicky abdominal pain and possible passage of blood and mucus in stools.

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