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

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. After corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is completed, and the infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place, what is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing action after corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial as it ensures proper fluid administration and prevents complications such as phlebitis or infiltration-related tissue damage. Applying restraints (Choice A) would not be appropriate in this situation as it is not related to the immediate post-operative care of an infant with an IV infusion. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not indicated as the primary concern post-surgery is monitoring the IV site and the infant's response to the surgery. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) is not the priority at this time, as assessing the IV site takes precedence to prevent potential complications.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an oral medication to a 4-year-old child. What is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child during the medication administration process. Choice A may not be as effective with a young child who may not fully understand the explanation. Offering a reward (choice C) may reinforce negative behavior and create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication with food (choice D) may not always be appropriate and may not address the cooperation aspect.

4. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing the 'resilience' of a 16-year-old boy. Which exemplifies an external protective factor that may help promote resilience in this child?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A caring relationship with family members is an external protective factor that promotes resilience in individuals, especially in adolescents. This support system provides a sense of security, stability, and emotional connection, which can help the teenager navigate challenges and setbacks. Choices A, B, and D allude to internal factors related to personal decision-making, self-awareness, and goal management, which are important but do not directly represent external protective factors involving external relationships or resources.

Similar Questions

When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant, what intervention is most important at this time?
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the nurse this child may have a genetic disorder?
A nurse is teaching a class about immunizations to members of a grammar school’s Parent-Teachers Association. Which childhood disease is the nurse discussing when explaining that it is a viral disease that starts with malaise and a highly pruritic rash that begins on the abdomen, spreads to the face and proximal extremities, and can result in grave complications?
The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old boy who has sustained burn injuries. The nurse observes the burn developing a purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. The nurse suspects which infection?
The parent of a child who has received all of the primary immunizations asks the nurse which ones the child should receive before starting kindergarten. The nurse tells the parent that her child should receive boosters of:

Access More Features

HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses