A hospitalized child is receiving calcium via a peripheral IV ...

[jasdeep_brar]

A hospitalized child is receiving calcium via a peripheral IV site. Which action by the nurse is most important?
 
  A.
  Assess the IV for blood return hourly.
  B.
  Document the infusion and child's response.
  C.
  Facilitate the next blood draw for calcium.
  D.
  Teach parents and child about the drug.

Question 2

A parent reports that his 7-year-old child is very short compared to his peers, and his teeth came in slowly when he was younger. After searching the Internet the parent is worried about growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
 
  Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  A.
  GHD is the only cause of the symptoms you describe.
  B.
  Has your child ever had his thyroid evaluated?
  C.
  I will refer your child to an endocrinologist right away.
  D.
  What did the dentist say about his teeth being delayed?

[Expo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Intravenous calcium infusions can cause extravasation if they infiltrate, so the nurse ensures the IV line is patent by checking the site and blood return frequently. The other actions are important as well, but for patient safety, monitoring the IV is the priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Although those manifestations do sound like GHD, they could also be indicative of hypothyroidism. The nurse asks if the child's thyroid function has ever been checked. The nurse cannot refer to an endocrinologist without a provider order. Asking about the dentist's opinion may be important, but it is not as specific for the problem as asking about thyroid function testing.