A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing the vital signs of a 2-year-old child at a well-child visit.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A.
Blood pressure 118/74 mm Hg.
B.
Respiratory rate 26/min.
C.
Pulse rate 98/min.
D.
Temperature 37.2° C (99° F).
The correct answer and Explanation is :
In assessing the vital signs of a 2-year-old child at a well-child visit, the nurse should be aware of normal ranges for this age group. Let’s evaluate each finding in context:
A. Blood pressure 118/74 mm Hg
For a 2-year-old child, normal blood pressure typically ranges from 86-106/42-60 mm Hg. A blood pressure of 118/74 mm Hg is significantly higher than the expected range and could indicate hypertension. This finding is abnormal and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and investigation.
B. Respiratory rate 26/min
The normal respiratory rate for a 2-year-old is generally between 24-40 breaths per minute. A rate of 26 breaths per minute falls within the normal range and is not a cause for concern.
C. Pulse rate 98/min
The normal pulse rate for a 2-year-old child typically ranges from 70-110 beats per minute. A pulse rate of 98 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not require further attention.
D. Temperature 37.2° C (99° F)
The normal body temperature for a child is around 36.4-38.0° C (97.5-100.4° F). A temperature of 37.2° C (99° F) is within the normal range and does not indicate a fever or any immediate concern.
Correct Answer: A. Blood pressure 118/74 mm Hg
Explanation: Blood pressure norms in children are significantly different from those in adults. For a 2-year-old, blood pressure values that are consistently elevated can be indicative of possible underlying health issues such as hypertension. It is essential for a provider to assess the child further to rule out or address any potential causes of elevated blood pressure. Persistent high blood pressure in children can lead to cardiovascular issues if not appropriately managed. Reporting this finding allows the provider to initiate any necessary diagnostic or therapeutic interventions to ensure the child’s health and well-being.