Chapter 40: Nursing Care of the Child With an Alteration in Gas Exchange/Respiratory Disorder

The nurse is teaching the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis about nutrition requirements for the child. What should be included in this teaching? A. "Give your child high-calorie foods and snacks." B. "Feed your child foods that are high in protein." C. "Administer water soluble vitamins." D. "Give panreatic enzymes with meals." E. "Give your child foods high in fat."

Answer: A. "Give your child high-calorie foods and snacks." B. "Feed your child foods that are high in protein." D. "Give panreatic enzymes with meals." Rationale: Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have trouble digesting and absorbing nutrients. They tend to be underweight. For optimal health, their diets should be high in calories and high in protein, with the supplementation of fat soluble vitamins and pancreatic enzymes. This diet helps with growth and the optimal nutrients. The fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) are needed, because children with CF have trouble absorbing fat and need the vitamin supplementation to aid in fat absorption. Water soluble vitamins (the B vitamins and vitamin C) do not aid in fat absorption. The child should not have a high-fat diet, because the extra fat is difficult to digest and be absorbed. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary because they are missing due to the disease process. They are necessary to aid in digestion. They should be ingested with meals.

A parent with a child who has cystic fibrosis asks the nurse how to determine if the child is receiving an adequate amount of pancreatic enzymes. How should the nurse respond? Select all that apply. A. "The dose is adequate when your child is only having 1 to 2 stools per day." B. "The dose is adequate when your child's weight is improving." C. "The dose prescribed is based on your child's pancreatic laboratory values so it should be correct." D. "When your child starts to eat more quantity of food you will need to adjust the amount of enzyme pills." E. "You will need to give your child less enzyme pills when high-fat foods are eaten."

Answer: A. "The dose is adequate when your child is only having 1 to 2 stools per day." B. "The dose is adequate when your child's weight is improving." D. "When your child starts to eat more quantity of food you will need to adjust the amount of enzyme pills." Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are required for the child with cystic fibrosis (CF) to help absorb nutrients from the diet and to aid in digestion. They are given with each meal and snack the child eats. The number of capsules required at each dose depends upon the diagnosis of how the pancreas is functioning and the amount of food needing to be digested. The pancreatic laboratory values may detemine a baseline for the number of pills to start with, but the dosage is adjusted regularly. The dosage of pancreatic enzymes is adjusted until an adequate growth pattern is established and the child is having no more than 1 to 2 stools per day. The child should be given an increased number of enzyme pills when a meal with high-fat content is consumed, not fewer.

The nurse is educating the parents of a 7-year-old boy with asthma about the medications that have been prescribed. Which drug would the nurse identify as an adjunct to a β2-adrenergic agonist for treatment of bronchospasm? A. Ipratropium B. Montelukast C. Cromolyn D. Theophylline

Answer: Ipratropium Rationale: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic administered via inhalation to produce bronchodilation without systemic effects. It is generally used as an adjunct to a β2-adrenergic agonist. Montelukast decreases the inflammatory response by antagonizing the effects of leukotrienes. Cromolyn prevents release of histamine from sensitized mast cells. Theophylline provides for continuous airway relaxation.

The nurse is preparing a room for a child being transferred out of the intensive care unit. The child has a tracheostomy. What item(s) are essential for the nurse to have available at the bedside in case of emergency? Select all that apply. A. A new tracheostomy tube of the same size B. A new tracheostomy tube of a smaller size C. A bag valve mask D. A sterile tracheostomy kit E. Cleaning supplies for the tracheostomy

Answer: A. A new tracheostomy tube of the same size B. A new tracheostomy tube of a smaller size C. A bag valve mask Rationale: A child with a tracheostomy can have an emergent situation for any number of reasons. It is important to always have emergency equipment at the bedside to provide immediate care when these situations arrive. Two spare tracheostomy tubes should always be at the bedside, one the same size as in place and once a size smaller. These would be needed if the tube became dislodged. A bag valve mask needs to remain at the bedside at all times. Ideally it should be connected to oxygen, but that is an individual protocol for the health care organization. The bag can be used to hyperoxygenate the child prior to or following suctioning or it can be used in an emergent situation such as a respiratory arrest. Sterile tracheostomy kits and cleaning supplies can be available at the bedside, but they are used for routine cleaning and not for emergencies.

An infant with a high respiratory rate is NPO and is receiving IV fluids. What assessment(s) will the nurse make to assure this infant is hydrated? Select all that apply. A. Measure skin turgor B. Palpate anterior fontanel C. Determine urine output D. Review electrolyte laboratory results E. Assess the lung sounds

Answer: A. Measure skin turgor B. Palpate anterior fontanel C. Determine urine output Rationale: IV fluids are necessary many times for infants and children who are experiencing high respiratory rates. The high respiratory rates make the child very tired from the increased work of breathing. In an infant there are very little reserves so the infant tires very quickly, especially when the work of sucking is added to the compromised respiratory state. To determine if the infant is hydrated the nurse should assess the skin turgor, palpate for a flat anterior fontanel, observe for moist mucus membranes and measure the urine output. The urine output should be 1 to 2ml/kg/hr. The electrolyte laboratory results will tell the nurse if the infant has an electrolyte imbalance, not a fluid imbalance. Assessing the lung sounds will not tell if the child is hydrated, only if the lungs are "wet" and fluid overloaded. The infant would also exhibit additional signs of respiratory distress if the lungs are fluid overloaded.

The nurse is obtaining a health history of a child suspected of tuberculosis. What question would the nurse ask first about the child's cough? A. "How long has your child had a cough?" B. "Does your child cough only at night?" C. "Does your child cough up anything when coughing?" D. "Has your child been around anyone who is coughing?"

Answer: "How long has your child had a cough?" Rationale: Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease. Most children contract it from an infected immediate household member. When taking the health history, the nurse should ask about symptoms such as malaise, weight loss, anorexia, chest tightness and a cough. The child's cough from tuberculosis is described as progressing slowly over several weeks and months rather than having an acute onset. Asking about the production from the cough is a way to determine if hemoptysis has occurred. Asking about being around anyone coughing is a way to determine if the child has been exposed to anyone with tuberculosis. Coughing only at night could be related to other respiratory disorders such as asthma.

A parent asks the nurse about immunizing her 7-month-old daughter against the flu. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A. "She really doesn't need the vaccine until she reaches 1 year of age." B. "She will probably receive it the next time she is to get her routine shots." C. "Since your daughter is older than 6 months, she should get the vaccine every year." D. "The vaccine has many side effects, so she wouldn't get it until she's ready to go to school."

Answer: "Since your daughter is older than 6 months, she should get the vaccine every year." Rationale: The current recommendations are for all children older than 6 months of age to be immunized yearly against influenza.

The nurse is providing care to several children who have been brought to the clinic by the parents reporting cold-like symptoms. The nurse would most likely suspect sinusitis in which child? A. A 2-year-old with thin watery nasal discharge B. A 3-year-old with sneezing and coughing C. A 5-year-old with nasal congestion and sore throat D. A 7-year-old with halitosis and thick, yellow nasal discharge

Answer: A 7-year-old with halitosis and thick, yellow nasal discharge Rationale: The frontal sinuses, those most commonly associated with sinus infection, develop by age 6 to 8 years. Therefore, the 7-year-old would most likely experience sinusitis. In addition, this child also exhibits halitosis and a thick, yellow nasal discharge, other findings associated with sinusitis. Thin watery discharge in a 2-year-old is more likely to indicate allergic rhinitis. A 3-year-old with coughing and sneezing or a 5-year-old with nasal congestion and sore throat suggests the common cold.

A child is in the emergency department with an asthma exaccerbation. Upon asucultation the nurse is unable to hear air movement in the lungs. What action should the nurse take first? A. Administer a beta-2 adrenergic agonist B. Administer oxygen C. Start a peripheral IV D. Administer corticosteroids

Answer: Administer a beta-2 adrenergic agonist Rationale: When lungs sounds are unable to be heard in a child with asthma, the child is very ill. This means there is severe airway obstruction. The air movement is so severe wheezes cannot be heard. The priority treatment is to administer an inhaled short term bronchodilator (beta-2 adrenergic agonist). The child may require numerous inhalations until bronchodilation occurs and air can pass through the bronchi. Oxygen can be started but until the brochi are dilated no oxygen can get through to the lung fields. In IV would need to be started and IV steroids administered to reduce the inflammation, but the priority is bronchodilation.

A group of nursing students are reviewing the medications used to treat asthma. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as appropriate for an acute episode of bronchospasm? A. Salmeterol B. Albuterol C. Ipratropium D. Cromolyn

Answer: Albuterol Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist that is used for treatment of acute bronchospasm. Salmeterol is a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist used for long-term control or exercise-induced asthma. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic agent used as an adjunct to β2- adrenergic agonists for treatment of bronchospasm. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer used prophylactically but not to relieve bronchospasm during an acute wheezing episode.

A child has been prescribed a nasal cannula for oxygen delivery. What should the nurse do before applying the cannula? A. Assess patency of the nares B. Test the oxygen saturation C. Add humidification to the delivery device D. Assess the lung sounds

Answer: Assess patency of the nares Rationale: A nasal cannula is a good delivery device for children, because it allows them to eat and talk unobstructed. Because the device is designed for flow through the nares, the patency of the nares should be assessed prior to using the cannula. If the nares are blocked from secretions, suctioning may be required. If there is a defect in the upper airway causing blockage, the nasal cannula may not be an appropriate oxygen delivery device. The oxygen saturation should have been measured and used as a guide for the prescription of oxygen therapy. Adding humidification is a way to keep the upper airways from becoming too dry, but oxygen can be started before humidity is added. Anytime a child is sick enough to require oxygen all respiratory assessments, including lung sounds, should be done. It does not matter, however, what the lung sounds are if the child is in enough distress to require oxygen. The lung sounds can be assessed after oxygen is started.

A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the variations in respiratory anatomy and physiology in children in comparison to adults. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which finding? A. Children's demand for oxygen is lower than that of adults. B. Children develop hypoxemia more rapidly than adults do. C. An increase in oxygen saturation leads to a much larger decrease in pO2. D. Children's bronchi are wider in diameter than those of an adult.

Answer: Children develop hypoxemia more rapidly than adults do. Rationale: Children develop hypoxemia more rapidly than adults do because they have a significantly higher metabolic rate and faster resting respiratory rates than adults do, which leads to a higher demand for oxygen. A smaller decrease in oxygen saturation reflects a disproportionately much larger decrease in pO2. The bronchi in children are narrower than in adults, placing them at higher risk for lower airway obstruction.

A child with a pneumothorax has a chest tube attached to a water seal system. When assessing the child, the nurse notices that the chest tube has become disconnected from the drainage system. What would the nurse do first? A. Notify the physician. B. Apply an occlusive dressing. C. Clamp the chest tube. D. Perform a respiratory assessment.

Answer: Clamp the chest tube. Rationale: If a chest tube becomes disconnected from the water seal drainage system, the nurse would first clamp the chest tube to prevent air from entering the child's chest cavity. Then the nurse would perform a respiratory assessment and notify the physician. An occlusive dressing would be applied first if the chest tube became dislodged from the child's chest.

When performing the physical examination of a child with cystic fibrosis, what would the nurse expect to assess? A. Dullness over the lung fields B. Increased diaphragmatic excursion C. Decreased tactile fremitus D. Hyperresonance over the liver

Answer: Decreased tactile fremitus Rationale: Examination of a child with cystic fibrosis typically reveals decreased tactile fremitus over areas of atelectasis, hyperresonance over the lung fields from air trapping, decreased diaphragmatic excursion, and dullness over the liver when enlarged.

A child is hospitalized with pneumonia. The nurse assesses an increase in the work of breathing and in the respiratory rate. What intervention should the nurse do first to help this child? A. Elevate the head of the bed B. Administer oxygen C. Notify the health care provider D. Obtain oxygen saturation levels

Answer: Elevate the head of the bed Rationale: The child who is experiencing increased work of breathing should be placed in a position to better open the airway and provide more room for lung expansion. Generally this is acomplished by elevating the head of the bed. If this does not improve the work of breathing, then administering oxygen should be done. The oxygen saturation should be measured because it will provide information as to the severity of the respiratory problem, but this measurement will not directly help the child. The health care provider should be notified if the child continues to deteriorate.

A nurse is administering 100% oxygen to a child with a pneumothorax based on the understanding that this treatment is used primarily for which reason? A. Improve gas exchange B. Bypass the obstruction C. Hasten air reabsorption D. Prevent hypoxemia

Answer: Hasten air reabsorption Rationale: Administration of 100% oxygen is used to treat pneumothorax primarily because it hastens the reabsorption of air. Generally this is used only for a few hours. Although the oxygen also improves gas exchange and prevents hypoxemia, these are not the reasons for its use in this situation. There is no obstruction with a pneumothorax.

A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the family of a child with allergic rhinitis. When describing the immune reaction that occurs, the nurse would identify the role of which immunoglobulin? A. IgA B. IgE C. IgG D. IgM

Answer: IgE Rationale: The immunoglobulin involved in the immune response associated with allergic rhinitis is IgE. IgA, IgG, and IgM are not involved in this response.

The nurse is discussing discharge instructions with the parents of a 6-year-old who had a tonsillectomy. What is the most important thing to stress? A. Administer analgesics. B. Encourage the child to drink liquids. C. Inspect the throat for bleeding. D. Apply an ice collar.

Answer: Inspect the throat for bleeding. Rationale: Inspecting the throat for bleeding is the most important discharge information to give the parents. Hemorrhage is unusual postoperatively but may occur any time from the immediate postoperative period to as late as 10 days after surgery. The nurse should inspect the throat for bleeding. Mucus tinged with blood may be expected, but fresh blood in the secretions indicates bleeding. Administering analgesics, encouraging fluids and applying an ice color are important but not as important as assessing for bleeding.

A child is brought to the emergency department by his parents because he suddenly developed a barking cough. Further assessment leads the nurse to suspect that the child is experiencing croup. What would the nurse have most likely assessed? A. High fever B. Dysphagia C. Toxic appearance D. Inspiratory stridor

Answer: Inspiratory stridor Rationale: A child with croup typically develops a bark-like cough often at night. This may be accompanied by inspiratory stridor and suprasternal retractions. Temperature may be normal or slightly elevated. A high fever, dysphagia, and toxic appearance are associated with epiglottitis.

A nursing instructor is preparing a class on chronic lung disease. What information would the instructor include when describing this disorder? A. It is a result of cystic fibrosis. B. It is seen most commonly in premature infants. C. It typically affects females more often than males. D. It is characterized by bradypnea.

Answer: It is seen most commonly in premature infants. Rationale: Chronic lung disease, formerly known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is often diagnosed in infants who have experienced respiratory distress syndrome, most commonly seen in premature infants. Male gender is a risk factor for development. Tachypnea and increased work of breathing are characteristic of chronic lung disease.

The nurse is preparing to perform a physical examination of a child with asthma. Which technique would the nurse be least likely to perform? A. Inspection B. Palpation C. Percussion D. Auscultation

Answer: Palpation Rationale: When examining the child with asthma, the nurse would inspect, auscultate, and percuss. Palpation would not be used.

A nurse is teaching the parents of a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis about medication therapy. Which would the nurse instruct the parents to administer orally? A. Recombinant human DNase B. Bronchodilators C. Anti-inflammatory agents D. Pancreatic enzymes

Answer: Pancreatic enzymes Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are administered orally to promote adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. Recombinant human DNase, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory agents are typically administered by inhalation.

The nurse is preparing to provide tracheostomy care to an infant. After gathering the necessary equipment, what would the nurse do next? A. Position the infant supine with a towel roll under the neck. B. Cut the new tracheostomy ties to the appropriate length. C. Cut the tracheostomy ties from around the tracheostomy tube. D. Cleanse around the site of the tracheostomy with the prescribed solution.

Answer: Position the infant supine with a towel roll under the neck. Rationale: After gathering the necessary equipment, the nurse would position the infant supine with a blanket or towel roll to extend the neck. Then the nurse would open all the packaging and cut the new tracheostomy ties to the appropriate length. This would be followed by cleaning the site with the appropriate solution and then rinsing it. After placing the precut sterile gauze under the tracheostomy tube, the nurse would cut the ties and remove them from the tube while an assistant holds the tube in place.

A hospitalized child suddenly begins reporting "my chest hurts," is tachypneic, and has tachycardia. The nurse auscultates the lung sounds and finds absent breath sounds on one side. After notifying the health care provide what action would the nurse take first? A. Prepare for chest tube insertion B. Administer oxygen C. Obtain oxygen saturation measurement D. Prepare for mechanical ventilation

Answer: Prepare for chest tube insertion Rationale: A pneumothorax is a collection of air in the pleural space. Trapped air consumes space in the pleural cavity causing a partial or complete collapse. The priority symptom a nurse would assess is the decreased or absent lung sounds on the affected side. A pneumothorax can occur spontaneously in a healthy child or it can occur in a child with chronic lung disease, has been on a ventilator or has had thoracic surgery. Additional symptoms the child would experience would be chest pain, tachypnea, retractions, grunting, cyanosis and tachycardia. Many of these symptoms could be present with any child with an acute or chronic lung disease or respiratory distress, but the defining symptom is the absent breath sounds.The treatment for a pneumothoriax is with a chest tube so the priority action would be to gather supplies and prepare for the health care provider to insert a chest tube. Obtaining an oxygen saturation level measurement will only provide data, it will not help the child in distress. Oxygen may need to be administered, but with a pneumothorax it will be very ineffective. Mechanical ventilation would be a last resort and could actually make the situation worse if the lung was not reinflated.

The nurse is examining an 8-year-old boy with tachycardia and tachypnea. The nurse anticipates which test as most helpful in determining the extent of the child's hypoxia? A. Pulmonary function test B. Pulse oximetry C. Peak expiratory flow D. Chest radiograph

Answer: Pulse oximetry Rationale: Pulse oximetry is a useful tool for determining the extent of hypoxia. It can be used by the nurse for continuous or intermittent monitoring. Pulmonary function testing measures respiratory flow and lung volumes and is indicated for asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung disease. Peak expiratory flow testing is used to monitor the adequacy of asthma control. Chest radiographs can show hyperinflation, atelectasis, pneumonia, foreign bodies, pleural effusion, and abnormal heart or lung size.

The nurse is examining a 5-year-old. Which sign or symptom is a reliable first indication of respiratory illness in children? A. Slow, irregular breathing B. A bluish tinge to the lips C. Increasing lethargy D. Rapid, shallow breathing

Answer: Rapid, shallow breathing Rationale: Tachypnea, or increased respiratory rate, is often the first sign of respiratory illness in infants and children. Slow, irregular breathing and increasing listlessness are signs that the child's condition is worsening. Cyanosis (a bluish tinge to the lips) or the degree of cyanosis present is not always an accurate indication of the severity of respiratory involvement.

A child requires supplemental oxygen therapy at 8 liters per minute. Which delivery device would the nurse most likely expect to be used? A. Simple mask B. Venturi mask C. Nasal cannula D. Oxygen hood

Answer: Simple mask Rationale: A simple mask would be used to deliver a flow rate of 8 liters per minute. A Venturi mask would be used to deliver a specific percentage of oxygen, from 24% to 50%. A nasal cannula would be used to deliver no more than 4 liters per minute. An oxygen hood requires a liter flow of 10 to 15 liters per minute.

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old girl with a respiratory disorder. The nurse anticipates the need for providing supplemental oxygen to the child when performing which action? A. Suctioning a tracheostomy tube B. Administering drugs with a nebulizer C. Providing tracheostomy care D. Suctioning with a bulb syringe

Answer: Suctioning a tracheostomy tube Rationale: Supplemental oxygenation may be necessary before, and is always performed after, suctioning a child with a tracheostomy tube. Providing tracheostomy care, administering drugs with a nebulizer, and suctioning with a bulb syringe do not require supplemental oxygen.

Bacterial pneumonia is suspected in a 4-year-old boy with fever, headache, and chest pain. Which assessment finding would most likely indicate the need for this child to be hospitalized? A. Fever B. Oxygen saturation level of 96% C. Tachypnea with retractions D. Pale skin color

Answer: Tachypnea with retractions Rationale: Pneumonia is usually a self-limiting disease. Children with bacterial pneumonia can be successfully managed at home if the work of breathing is not severe and oxygen saturation is within normal limits. Hospitalization would most likely be required for the child with tachypnea, significant retractions, poor oral intake, or lethargy for the administration of supplemental oxygen, intravenous hydration, and antibiotics. Fever, although common in children with pneumonia, would not necessitate hospitalization. An oxygen saturation level of 96% would be within normal limits. Pallor (pale skin color) occurs as a result of peripheral vasoconstriction in an effort to conserve oxygen for vital functions; this finding also would not necessitate hospitalization.

The nurse is assessing a 5-year-old girl who is anxious, has a high fever, speaks in a whisper, and sits up with her neck thrust forward. Based on these findings, what would be least appropriate for the nurse to perform? A. Providing 100% oxygen B. Visualizing the throat C. Having the child sit forward D. Auscultating for lung sounds

Answer: Visualizing the throat Rationale: The child is exhibiting signs and symptoms of epiglottitis, which can be lifethreatening. Under no circumstances should the nurse attempt to visualize the throat. Reflex laryngospasm may occur, precipitating immediate airway occlusion. Providing 100% oxygen in the least invasive manner that is most acceptable to the child is a sound intervention, as is allowing the child to assume a position of sitting forward with the neck extended. Auscultation would reveal breath sounds consistent with an obstructed airway.