The parent of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF)calls the clinic nurse to report that the child has developed tachypnea,tachycardia,dyspnea,pallor,and cyanosis.The nurse should tell the parent to bring the child to the clinic because these signs and symptoms are suggestive of what condition?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Bronchodilation
C) Carbon dioxide retention
D) Increased viscosity of sputum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Usually the signs of pneumothorax are nonspecific.Tachypnea,tachycardia,dyspnea,pallor,and cyanosis are significant signs and symptoms and are indicative of respiratory distress caused by pneumothorax.If the bronchial tubes were dilated,the child would have decreased work of breathing and would most likely be asymptomatic.Carbon dioxide retention is a result of the chronic alveolar hypoventilation in CF.Hypoxia replaces carbon dioxide as the drive for respiration progresses.Increased viscosity would result in more difficulty clearing secretions.

The Parent of a Child with Cystic Fibrosis (CF)calls the Clinic