Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

To confirm peripheral edema in a school-age child, the nurse should perform which assessment?

1. Palpate the dorsum of the child's feet.

2. Weigh the child daily using the same scale.

3. Assess the child's skin turgor.

4. Observe the child for periorbital swelling.

The correct answer is: Palpate the dorsum of the child's feet.

Palpating the dorsum of the child's feet is an effective way to confirm peripheral edema. This technique allows the nurse to assess for pitting or non-pitting edema, which is a key characteristic of fluid retention in the extremities. By pressing down on the area and observing whether an indentation remains after releasing the pressure, the nurse can determine the presence and severity of the edema. Using the same scale to weigh the child daily can indicate changes in fluid retention over time, but it does not provide an immediate assessment of peripheral edema. Assessing skin turgor is more commonly used to evaluate dehydration rather than fluid overload conditions, as it involves checking the elasticity of the skin. Observing for periorbital swelling can indicate edema but is specific to the area around the eyes and does not confirm overall peripheral edema in the feet or legs. Thus, palpating the dorsum of the child's feet is the most direct method for confirming peripheral edema.