The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 2-year-old male client.
0915:Brought in by the mother's partner with a cough. Cold symptoms for 2 weeks, now coughing fits that end in a whoop and vomiting. Bruises on the abdomen, the back and both ears. The partner first says the child fell off the couch yesterday, then says he fell down the stairs last week.
1040:Laboratory reports a positive test for pertussis. Primary health care provider (PHCP) informed of the result and of the bruises; states the bruises are probably from falls and will be looked at again later.
The nurse has reviewed the Nurses' Notes from 0915 and 1040.
For each finding or task below, click to specify the action the nurse should take.
| Finding or Task | Nursing Action |
|---|---|
| Charting the bruises | |
| Positive pertussis test | |
| Bruises with a changing history |