A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old with a fever, rash, redness, swelling of the hands and feet, and cervical lymphadenopathy. The primary healthcare provider (PHCP) suspects Kawasaki disease.
Which assessment should be performed to support the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease?
A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old with a fever, rash, redness, swelling of the hands and feet, and cervical lymphadenopathy. The primary healthcare provider (PHCP) suspects Kawasaki disease.
Which assessment should be performed to support the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease?
A. Auscultate heart sounds
[24%]
B. Check capillary refill
[5%]
C. Measure blood pressure
[7%]
D. Inspect oral mucosa
[64%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. Inspecting the oral mucosa is the priority nursing action for a child suspected of having Kawasaki disease because changes in the oral mucosa are one of the key diagnostic features of the condition, aiding in confirming the diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment.
Choice A is incorrect. While auscultating heart sounds is important in Kawasaki disease as it can help identify any potential cardiac complications such as murmurs or abnormal rhythms, the priority nursing action is to identify characteristic changes in the oral mucosa, which are key diagnostic features of Kawasaki disease.
Choice B is incorrect. Capillary refill is important in evaluating peripheral perfusion, inspecting the oral mucosa is the priority action as changes in the oral mucosa are one of the key diagnostic features of Kawasaki disease.
Choice C is incorrect. Blood pressure monitoring is important in evaluating the child's cardiovascular status, the priority nursing action is to inspect the oral mucosa for characteristic changes associated with Kawasaki disease, as these changes are key diagnostic features.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Kawasaki Disease
31.12 Hematologic & Metabolic Conditions
Additional Info
✓ Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children under the age of 5. It involves inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. The hallmark symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Conjunctivitis
- Changes in the Oral Mucosa
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
✓ Children with Kawasaki disease may experience discomfort due to symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. Providing appropriate pain management, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen under the guidance of the healthcare provider, can help alleviate discomfort and improve the child's overall comfort.
✓ Kawasaki disease is relatively rare but has a higher incidence in certain populations. It is most common in children of Asian descent, particularly those of Japanese ancestry.
