A critically ill child on a ventilator is mildly anemic. Which ...

[c0205847]

A critically ill child on a ventilator is mildly anemic. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Decrease the administration rate of the IV fluids.
  B.
  Draw minimal amounts of blood for laboratory tests.
  C.
  Have parents sign consent for blood transfusions.
  D.
  Monitor the child's hemoglobin levels daily.

Question 2

Which assessment finding would cause extubation to be delayed?
 
  A mechanically ventilated child is being assessed for extubation. A.
  Alert and oriented with occasional confusion
  B.
  Evidence that prior pulmonary infection has resolved
  C.
  Peak inspiratory ventilator pressure of 14 cm H2O
  D.
  3+ pitting pedal edema, 1-lb weight gain overnight

[Silverbeard98]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Critically ill children have frequent blood draws for laboratory tests. The nurse should ensure that the minimum amount of blood is collected each time. Decreasing fluid rates might concentrate the hemoglobin and raise the level, but at the risk of dehydration. A mildly anemic child would not need transfusions. Monitoring the hemoglobin daily is an essential nursing function but will not actively help the child with this condition.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Fluid overload puts the child at risk for developing respiratory distress, so the child with edema and weight gain should not be weaned from the ventilator at this time. The other parameters are acceptable for weaning.

[c0205847]

TYSM

[scottmt]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it