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. 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?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Chickenpox (varicella). Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by a highly pruritic rash that typically starts on the abdomen and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the face and proximal extremities. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Rubella (German measles) presents with a mild rash and swollen lymph nodes; Rubeola (measles) also presents with a rash but starts on the face before spreading downwards; Scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by a rash, fever, and sore throat.

3. At 7 AM, a healthcare professional receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority nursing action in this situation is to administer the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is necessary to help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly, thereby preventing potential complications of hyperglycemia. Encouraging exercise, obtaining a glucometer reading, or suggesting consumption of complex carbohydrates like cheese may not address the immediate need to bring down the high blood glucose level effectively. Exercise could potentially raise blood glucose levels, obtaining a glucometer reading may delay necessary treatment, and consuming complex carbohydrates can further elevate blood glucose levels in this scenario.

4. When obtaining a health history from parents of a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism, what would the nurse most likely assess?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In congenital hypothyroidism, infants often experience lethargy and difficulty staying awake due to low thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect as hypothyroidism can lead to poor growth in infants. Choice B is incorrect because hypothyroidism can cause decreased activity levels and lethargy rather than being active and playful. Choice C is incorrect as hypothyroidism can result in dry skin and poor skin tone, not necessarily pink and healthy-looking skin.

5. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.

Similar Questions

A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?
A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the healthcare professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?
How should you care for an alert 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, who has respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color?
A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect
A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of hemophilia is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the care plan?

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