Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Administer circulatory volume expanders to treat hypotension caused

by vasodilation:

• Saline


• Plasma
  Administer vasopressors to counteract vasodilation and to increase blood
  pressure:


• Norepinephrine


• Dopamine
  Oxygen therapy to support breathing.
  Insert endotracheal tube to maintain airways.
  Allergy skin testing to identify allergen.

Nursing Intervention

Maintain airway to facilitate breathing.

Monitor for hoarseness and difficulty breathing to check for symptoms

of decreased respiration.

Explain to the family to avoid exposure to allergens to prevent future

occurrences and to seek medical help immediately if exposed to aller-

gens to prevent anaphylaxis.

Mononucleosis

What Went Wrong?

Mononucleosis is a viral infection commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus

but can also be caused by the cytomegalovirus and frequently secondary to a

streptococcus bacterial infection that weakened the immune system. Mononu-

cleousis is transmitted by contact.

Signs and Symptoms

Malaise

Fever

Muscle ache (myalgias)

Headache

Sore throat

Test Results

Heterophil antibody test: Positive

Mono spot test: Positive

Treatment

No treatment except for symptomatic treatment

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(^320) Pediatric Nursing Demystified