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    Ati rn pediatric nursing 2023 proctored exam

    A nurse is caring for a 6-week-old infant client on the pediatric unit. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale for correct condition congestive heart failure in infants often results from structural defects causing volume overload. the client exhibits classic signs including tachycardia (174/min), tachypnea (72/min), and poor feeding. crackles, periorbital edema, and cardiomegaly on x-ray confirm systemic and pulmonary congestion. decreased peripheral perfusion and diaphoresis during feeding are hallmark signs of impaired cardiac output. Rationale for correct actions elevating the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle decreases venous return and reduces pressure on the diaphragm to improve lung expansion. digoxin increases myocardial contractility and slows the heart rate to improve cardiac efficiency. normal heart rate for a 6-week-old is 100-160/min. these interventions directly address the respiratory distress and low cardiac output. fluid management is critical as the infant has not voided in 10 hours. bounding upper and weak lower pulses suggest a specific defect like coarctation, but heart failure is the immediate syndrome. Rationale for correct parameters intake and output must be monitored to evaluate fluid retention and response to potential diuretic therapy. respiratory status monitoring is vital to assess for worsening pulmonary edema or improvement after positioning. normal respiratory rate for an infant is 30-60/min. the client's current saturation of 90% and crackles indicate significant pulmonary congestion. tracking weight gain and diaper counts helps determine if cardiac output is sufficient for renal perfusion. improvements in work of breathing indicate successful management. Rationale for incorrect conditions cystic fibrosis is unlikely as it usually presents later with steatorrhea or chronic respiratory infections, not acute heart failure signs. pyloric stenosis involves projectile vomiting and an olive-shaped mass, which are absent here. respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis typically includes fever and copious nasal secretions, which were not noted on assessment. left ventricular hypertrophy is not a feature of pyloric stenosis or bronchiolitis. Rationale for incorrect actions contact precautions are specific for infectious processes like respiratory syncytial virus, which this infant does not likely have. chest physiotherapy is used for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis but may increase oxygen demand in a failing heart. nasogastric decompression is the treatment for pyloric stenosis or bowel obstruction, not cardiac congestion. Rationale for incorrect parameters abdominal peristaltic waves are a specific assessment for pyloric stenosis. blood glucose is not the primary concern for heart failure unless secondary to metabolic stress. steatorrhea stools are associated with malabsorption in cystic fibrosis. these parameters do not directly measure the resolution of edema or cardiac workload.

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