Prioritizing Pediatric Assessment: Pneumonia Symptoms in a Child with Compromised Respiratory Health

The nurse is caring for clients on the pediatric medical unit. Which client should the nurse assess first?1. The child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose levelof 180 mg/dL.2. The child diagnosed with pneumonia who is coughing and has a temperature of100°F.3. The child diagnosed with gastroenteritis who has a potassium (K+) levelof 3.9 mEq/L.4. The child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who has a pulse oximeter reading of 90%.

Based on the information provided, the nurse should assess the child diagnosed with pneumonia who is coughing and has a temperature of 100°F first

Based on the information provided, the nurse should assess the child diagnosed with pneumonia who is coughing and has a temperature of 100°F first. This child’s symptoms indicate an infection, which is a significant concern, especially if the child’s immune system is compromised. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can be serious, particularly in children, and can lead to complications if not promptly treated.

The child’s high temperature suggests an ongoing infection, and the coughing suggests respiratory involvement. Both of these symptoms warrant immediate assessment and potential intervention by the nurse. The nurse should assess the child’s respiratory status, including breathing pattern, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation levels. The pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicates that the child may be experiencing decreased oxygen levels, which is concerning and requires further evaluation.

The child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL may require intervention, but it is not an immediate priority compared to a child with an infection and potential respiratory compromise. The blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL is within an acceptable range for a child with diabetes, although it may require adjustment of insulin dosage or other management strategies.

Similarly, the child diagnosed with gastroenteritis who has a potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L may require intervention, but it is not an immediate priority compared to the child with pneumonia. The potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L falls within the normal range for children, so immediate assessment or intervention may not be necessary. However, ongoing monitoring and potential treatment may be required based on the child’s symptoms and overall condition.

In summary, the nurse should prioritize the child diagnosed with pneumonia who is coughing and has a temperature of 100°F. This child’s symptoms indicate a potential respiratory infection and compromised respiratory status, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.

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