Exhibits Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory results, prescriptions, and imaging studies. What complications should the practical nurse (PN) monitor for in the next 6 to 8 hours? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Subdural hemorrhage The head CT was negative for bleeding or edema, making a subdural hemorrhage unlikely. B. Respiratory distress Given the history of drowning and the current signs of respiratory acidosis (pH 7.31, PaCO2 51), the child is at high risk for respiratory complications, including distress. C. Hyperthermia Hyperthermia is not a typical immediate complication following drowning in cool water, and the current body temperature of the child is within the normal range. D. Cerebral edema Although the initial CT scan is negative for edema, secondary cerebral edema can develop hours after the incident, especially in cases of significant hypoxemia. E. Acute asphyxia The initial incident of drowning and the resultant hypoxemia (as indicated by abnormal blood gases) place the child at risk for complications related to acute asphyxia. F. Hypertension The child's blood pressure is currently within normal limits, and hypertension is not a common immediate complication following drowning.