Question

A nurse is admitting a 6-year-old child status post tonsillectomy to the surgical unit. The nurse obtains his weight and places EKG and a pulse oximeter on the client's left finger. His heart rate reads 100 bpm and the pulse oximeter reads 99%. These readings best indicate:

a. Heart failure.
b. Diminished stroke volume.
c. High cardiac output.
d. Adequate tissue perfusion.

Answer 1

A heart rate of 100 bpm and a pulse oximeter reading of 99% in a 6-year-old child post tonsillectomy indicates adequate tissue perfusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking what the heart rate of 100 bpm and the pulse oximeter reading of 99% indicate for a 6-year-old child who has just had a tonsillectomy. In this scenario, the child's heart rate is within the normal range for a pediatric patient, which usually ranges from 70-120 bpm depending on activity and stress levels. Additionally, a pulse oximeter reading of 99% reflects that the child's hemoglobin is almost fully saturated with oxygen, suggestive of a healthy oxygen exchange in the lungs and an efficient circulation system, indicating adequate tissue perfusion. Hence, the correct answer is d. Adequate tissue perfusion.