Author Question: The nurse is ready to take the temperature of a child who is to be discharged from the hospital if ... (Read 117 times)

cmoore54 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The nurse is ready to take the temperature of a child who is to be discharged from the hospital if the temperature is within the normal range. The health care practitioner and family are waiting to hear about the temperature.

The nurse considers taking an axillary temperature but decides instead to take the temperature orally. What is the most likely reason that the nurse decided to take the temperature orally in this case? a. The axilla is not sensitive to early temperature changes, and accuracy was critical in this case.
b. An oral temperature is much quicker to determine than an axillary temperature.
c. Locating an axillary thermometer might be more difficult than finding an oral one.
d. The oral temperature reading is easier and safer to get then compared to an axillary temperature.

Question 2

The nurse gets a telephone call from a parent who wants to know what to do for her child who just twisted an ankle, which is beginning to swell and hurt. The nurse will advise the parent to do which of the following?

a. Have the child stay in bed until the swelling and pain subsides.
b. Elevate the leg and use an ice pack to the ankle, alternating 30 minutes on and 15 off.
c. Apply alternating heat and cold with 15 minutes of heat and 15 minutes of cold.
d. Apply an Ace bandage or wrap securely and fairly tight with tape for 24 to 48 hours.

ApricotDream · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A

Feedback
A Correct. An axillary temperature is safe, noninvasive, and can be taken in all age groups. This route may be contraindicated then accuracy is especially critical.
B Incorrect. The choice of taking an oral temperature is based upon accuracy not speed.
C Incorrect. The choice of taking an oral temperature is based upon accuracy not the ease of locating an appropriate thermometer.
D Incorrect. The choice of taking an oral temperature is based upon accuracy not the ease of reading or a choice of safety.

Answer to Question 2

B

Feedback
A Incorrect. Elevation of the injured part and application of ice will reduce swelling. Rest or staying off the injury for several hours to several days is also important; however, elevation and ice are more critical.
B Correct. During the first 24 to 48 hours following a soft tissue injury of the ankle a parent should elevate the leg and use an ice pack to the ankle, alternating 30 minutes on and 15 off.
C Incorrect. The nurse will not advise the parent to apply alternating heat and cold with 15 minutes of heat and 15 minutes of cold.
D Incorrect. If an Ace bandage or wrap is used, it should not be wrapped too tightly as this may impair neurovascular status. Ice and elevation take priority over wrapping the ankle.