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