Question

A parent brings her 3-month-old child into the emergency department. The child is listless with dry mucous membranes, tenting of the skin on the forehead, a depressed fontanel, and a history of vomiting and diarrhea for the last 36 hours. In what order from first to last should the nurse implement the primary care provider's prescriptions? All options must be used.

1. Apply a urine collection bag.
2. Obtain vital signs and weight.
3. Draw blood for laboratory tests.
4. Insert an IV and infuse fluids as prescribed.

Answer 1

The nurse should implement the primary care provider's prescriptions in the following order: obtain vital signs and weight, draw blood for laboratory tests, insert an IV and infuse fluids as prescribed, and apply a urine collection bag.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should implement the primary care provider's prescriptions in the following order:

1. Obtain vital signs and weight.
2. Draw blood for laboratory tests.
3. Insert an IV and infuse fluids as prescribed.
4. Apply a urine collection bag.

By obtaining vital signs and weight first, the nurse can assess the child's overall condition and monitor for signs of dehydration. Drawing blood for laboratory tests will provide further information about the child's electrolyte levels and possible infections. Inserting an IV and infusing fluids will help address the child's dehydration and restore fluid balance. Applying a urine collection bag is the last step as it can be done once the child's condition has stabilized and urine output needs to be monitored.