The nurse on the pediatric unit is assigned to an infant with gastroesophageal reflux. The infant has had episodes of pneumonia and is not gaining weight. The infant has not responded well to 6 weeks of medical management and is being considered for surgery. At the beginning of the shift, after receiving report on this infant, the nurse will first:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessing the respiratory status is the priority action for a nurse, especially given the infant's history of gastroesophageal reflux with episodes of pneumonia. This assessment is crucial to ensure the infant's airway is clear and to identify any immediate needs for intervention to prevent further complications.

The Nurse on the Pediatric Unit Is Assigned to an Infant