Question

A client with bacterial pneumonia is admitted to the pediatric unit. What would the nurse expect the admitting assessment to reveal? A. High fever B. Nonproductive cough C. Rhinitis D. Vomiting and diarrhea

Short answer

Answer: High fever

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. The most common symptoms in children include high fever, cough (which could be productive or nonproductive), difficulty breathing, and chest pain. It is essential to recognize these symptoms to ensure proper treatment and care.

Evaluate Option A - High fever

High fever is a common symptom of bacterial pneumonia in children. It occurs as the body's immune system tries to fight off the infection. This makes option A a likely candidate for the admitting assessment.

Evaluate Option B - Nonproductive cough

A nonproductive (dry) cough can be a symptom of bacterial pneumonia, although it is not as common as a productive (wet) cough. However, given that coughing is generally associated with respiratory infections, this option could also be a possible indicator of bacterial pneumonia.

Evaluate Option C - Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa which can cause a runny or stuffy nose. While it can be a symptom of a respiratory infection, it is more commonly associated with viral infections like the common cold rather than bacterial pneumonia. Hence, this option is less likely to be expected in an admitting assessment for bacterial pneumonia.

Evaluate Option D - Vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are not typically associated with bacterial pneumonia. These symptoms are more common with gastrointestinal infections or other illnesses unrelated to the respiratory system. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be expected in an admitting assessment for bacterial pneumonia.

Conclusion

Based on the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is: A. High fever, as it is a common symptom of bacterial pneumonia in children and therefore, the nurse would expect the admitting assessment to reveal a high fever.

Key concepts

Pediatric Assessment

When assessing a child with suspected bacterial pneumonia, it is crucial to conduct a thorough pediatric assessment. This assessment helps in understanding the child's condition and determining the presence of specific symptoms related to respiratory issues. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Breathing patterns: Observe the child's breathing, checking for rapid or labored breathing, which is typical in pneumonia cases.
• Temperature: Measure the child's temperature as a high fever is commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia.
• Cough characteristics: Note whether the cough is productive, producing mucus, or nonproductive, which might influence diagnosis.
• General appearance: Assess the child's overall look, such as pallor or fatigue, indicating illness.

Each symptom plays a role in forming a comprehensive clinical picture, attributed to both the severity and type of pneumonia affecting the child. By carefully evaluating these factors, healthcare providers can create an effective care plan.

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections are ailments affecting the airways and lungs, and bacterial pneumonia is a significant type of serious respiratory infection. It manifests when certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, infect the lungs. Key indicators of this infection include:

• High fever: A natural response as the body fights bacterial invaders.
• Cough: Can be either productive or nonproductive, but it's a sign that the infection is present in the respiratory tract.
• Difficulty in breathing: Lungs are compromised, making breathing challenging and sometimes painful.
• Chest pain: Often arises due to inflammation and effort in breathing.

Understanding these symptoms is essential for rapid identification and management of bacterial pneumonia. Prompt recognition allows for timely administration of antibiotics and supportive care, which is vital for recovery in children.

Nursing Evaluation

Nursing evaluation is a critical component in managing pediatric pneumonia effectively. It involves a series of steps to assess and support the child through their illness. Nurses focus on:

• Monitoring vital signs: Regular checks on temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate to detect any changes in the child's condition.
• Assessing oxygen levels: Using a pulse oximeter to ensure the child is receiving adequate oxygenation.
• Administrating medications: Providing antibiotics and fever reducers as prescribed to combat infection and relieve symptoms.
• Offering supportive care: Including hydration, rest, and positioning the child to ease breathing.

Thorough nursing evaluation aids in tracking the child's progress and making necessary adjustments to the care plan. It ensures that potential complications are identified early, providing a higher standard of care quality. The hands-on approach by nursing staff is invaluable in achieving positive outcomes for children with bacterial pneumonia.