Highest Priority Measurement
The measurement that should have the highest priority and which must be instantly communicated to the RN is oxygen saturation. Low oxygen saturation implies that there are organs within the child’s body that do not receive sufficient oxygen, and the patient is at critical risk of developing other fatal conditions. To protect these organs, I should notify the RN earlier to ensure the child is under appropriate monitoring. The low oxygen saturation may point to a life-threatening underlying condition in the child, such as asthma, and there is a need to rule out such a possibility.
Additional Information
Additional information to report to the RN includes responses from the mother about the child’s history with respiratory illnesses, earlier diagnoses, ongoing medication, and the extent of the issue. This information would aid in the determination of the seriousness of the condition and enable the RN to make sound judgments. In case this information is unavailable, the RN is prompted to carry out an independent assessment.
The Range for Abnormal Findings and Treatments
The normal range for body temperature is 97.9 ° F to 99 ° F, the expected heart rate range is 70 to 100 beats per minute (BPM), the normal respiratory rate range is 12 to 16 breaths per minute, and the acceptable oxygen saturation range is 95% to 100% (Bae et al., 2020). The management anticipated for the low oxygen saturation is home supplemental oxygen, while the treatment for the fever would involve ibuprofen (DeGeorge et al., 2019). The cure given first for the child would be the treatment for low oxygen saturation. The urgency of this action is prompted by the health hazards low oxygen saturation presents to the child. The fever is not a priority because it is a normal body response to the pathogen responsible for the disease to try and kill it to achieve recovery.
Concern about the Child’s Sniffles
The child’s sniffles are concerning to the healthcare team because there is a possibility that the condition is contagious and the child has been infected. The child’s immune system is also not strong enough to fight off such infections. There is a need for a comprehensive investigation to rule out infection of the child. The careful timely examination is capable of paving way for an alternative diagnosis for other possible conditions.
References
Bae, W., Kim, K., & Lee, B. (2020). Distribution of pediatric vital signs in the emergency department: A nationwide study. Children, 7(8), 89. Web.
DeGeorge, K. C., Ring, D. J., & Dalrymple, S. N. (2019). Treatment of the common cold. American Family Physician, 100(5), 281–289. Web.