The nurse receives report on 4 pediatric clients in the emergency department. Which client should be seen first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sepsis neonatorum is a medical emergency. Newborns may not exhibit obvious signs of infection but instead may have elevated temperature or be hypothermic. Subtle changes such as irritability, increased sleepiness, and poor feeding should be considered red flags. Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures should be obtained immediately and broad-spectrum antibiotics started. (Option B) This infant has signs of a hydrocele, a fluid-filled testicular mass. Most hydroceles resolve before the first birthday and are not a medical emergency. (Option C) Children's bubble soap is non-toxic. As a precaution, the poison control center should be contacted, but this is not a priority over a newborn with fever. (Option D) This child likely has an upper respiratory viral or bacterial (streptococcal) infection. This localized infection is not a priority over generalized/bloodstream infection (neonatal sepsis). Educational objective: Sepsis in a newborn is life-threatening. Newborns with fever, lethargy, and refusal to feed require a full septic workup. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be started immediately after obtaining blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures.

The Nurse Receives Report on 4 Pediatric Clients in the Emergency