The pediatrician is doing a routine physical exam on a ...

[JMatthes]

The pediatrician is doing a routine physical exam on a school-aged child and tells the parents that their child has an innocent heart murmur. The parents ask the nurse what this means. The best answer is:
 
  a. The mitral valve is not closing tightly and some blood is getting through when the heart is not contracting.
  b. If the child's heart is not overworked for the next few years, this problem will cure itself.
  c. This is a minor congenital anomaly and is nothing to worry about as it will cause no problems.
  d. This is the sound of blood normally flowing through the heart and is not associated with any heart problem.

Question 2

The nurse working on the pediatric unit checks the apical pulse of a school-aged child and finds a rate of 95 beats per minute while the child is lying in bed. The best action on the part of the nurse is to:
 
  a. Chart the apical pulse of 95 as it is in the normal range.
  b. Recheck the apical pulse for a full minute, as it is somewhat high.
  c. Call the pediatrician.
  d. Have another nurse recheck the apical pulse.

[whitcassie]

Answer to Question 1

D

Feedback
A Incorrect: Innocent heart murmurs are not associated with the mitral valve not closing tightly.
B Incorrect: It is not necessary to rest the heart for several years for the problem to cure itself.
C Incorrect: Innocent heart murmurs are not associated with congenital anomalies.
D Correct: An innocent heart murmur is created from the sound of the blood flowing through the heart and can be heard if the child's chest wall is thin. They are not clinically significant.

Answer to Question 2

A

Feedback
A Correct: The average apical rate for the school-aged child is 90-95 beats per minute. Therefore, the nurse should chart the apical pulse of 95 as it is within the normal range.
B Incorrect: An apical rate of 95 beats per minute in the school-aged child would not warrant rechecking the apical pulse for a full minute.
C Incorrect: An apical rate of 95 beats per minute in the school-aged child would not warrant calling the pediatrician.
D Incorrect: An apical rate of 95 beats per minute in the school-aged child would not warrant having another nurse recheck the apical pulse.

[JMatthes]

Excellent

[tranoy]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it