Questions: A nurse is planning care for a group of clients and is reviewing the recent vital signs obtained by an astive personnel. From which of the following clients should the nurse collect data and recheck the vital signs prior to notifying the provider? - 8-year-old male: respiratory rate 34 / min, SaO2 97% - 16-year-old female: respiratory rate 18 / min, SaO2 98% - 11-year-old male: respiratory rate 28 / min, SaO2 99% - 3-year-old female: respiratory rate 32 / min, SaO2 96%

The answer is the first one: 8-year-old male: respiratory rate 34 / min, SaO₂ 97%

Explanation for each option:

1. 8-year-old male: respiratory rate 34 / min, SaO₂ 97%

   • Reasoning: The normal respiratory rate for an 8-year-old child is typically between 18-30 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 34 breaths per minute is elevated and could indicate respiratory distress or another underlying issue. Although the oxygen saturation (SaO₂) is within normal limits, the elevated respiratory rate warrants further assessment and rechecking of vital signs before notifying the provider.

2. 16-year-old female: respiratory rate 18 / min, SaO₂ 98%

   • Reasoning: The normal respiratory rate for a 16-year-old is between 12-20 breaths per minute. Both the respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, so there is no immediate need to recheck these vital signs.

3. 11-year-old male: respiratory rate 28 / min, SaO₂ 99%

   • Reasoning: The normal respiratory rate for an 11-year-old is between 18-30 breaths per minute. Although the respiratory rate is on the higher end of normal, it is still within the acceptable range. The oxygen saturation is also normal, so there is no immediate need to recheck these vital signs.

4. 3-year-old female: respiratory rate 32 / min, SaO₂ 96%

   • Reasoning: The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old is between 20-30 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 32 is slightly elevated but not critically so. The oxygen saturation is within normal limits. While this might warrant monitoring, it is not as urgent as the first option.

Summary: The nurse should collect data and recheck the vital signs of the 8-year-old male with a respiratory rate of 34 breaths per minute and SaO₂ of 97% before notifying the provider, as this elevated respiratory rate is outside the normal range for his age and could indicate a potential issue that needs further assessment.