NCLEX: An 8-year-old child in the pediatric unit is being evaluated for family presence during hospitalization. Assessme…

Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

An 8-year-old child in the pediatric unit is being evaluated for family presence during hospitalization. Assessment data include temperature 103.1°F (39.5°C) with a new petechial rash. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Question

A. A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.
B. A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.
C. Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.
D. The new finding that temperature 103.1°F (39.5°C) with a new petechial rash.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. The new finding that temperature 103.1°F (39.5°C) with a new petechial rash.

Rationale: Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Family-centered care