A hospitalised child becomes pale and restless. The heart rate rises from 96 to 138 beats per minute, the hands are cool, and capillary refill is delayed. Which nursing action is the priority?
Correct answer: C. Assess circulation and immediately notify the nurse in charge
- A. Offer oral fluids and recheck after one hour
- B. Document the findings at the end of the shift
- C. Assess circulation and immediately notify the nurse in charge
- D. Provide a quiet activity to reduce the child’s anxiety
Explanation
The combination of tachycardia, pallor, cool extremities and delayed capillary refill suggests impaired circulation and possible shock. Circulation takes priority over comfort or routine documentation, so prompt assessment and escalation are required.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Care of the Hospitalised Child
Care of the hospitalised child covers admission assessment, monitoring vital signs, medication safety, pain relief, nutrition, hygiene, infection prevention and safe discharge planning. It also addresses atraumatic care, therapeutic play, communication with children and parents, family participation, separation anxiety, safeguarding and the child’s rights during hospital care.
Practise Care of the Hospitalised Child
50 free Care of the Hospitalised Child MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Paediatric Nursing questions like this
Paediatric Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Care of the Hospitalised Child questions
A child receiving intravenous fluids is at risk of fluid imbalance. Which nursing practice provides the most useful ongoing information about fluid status?
A child has received an oral analgesic for postoperative pain. Which nursing action is most appropriate after the medicine has had time to act?
A hospitalised child does not speak Urdu or English, and the parent is unable to understand the medication instructions. Which action should the nurse take?
During medication reconciliation on admission, the parent brings medicines that the child uses at home. Which nursing action is safest?
A hospitalised breastfed infant is stable and able to feed. The mother asks whether breastfeeding can continue during the admission. Which response is most appropriate?
A 10-year-old child is admitted for a planned procedure. The parent gives permission, but the child says, “I do not understand what will happen.” Which nursing action best supports the child’s rights?