Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam

The combination of symptoms that prompts immediate attention is three days of fever along with one day of vomiting. A fever lasting three days indicates a prolonged illness, and when it is accompanied by vomiting, it raises concern for more serious underlying conditions, such as an infection or gastrointestinal issue.

The presence of vomiting can lead to dehydration, especially in children, making it crucial to assess the child's hydration status and overall condition. This combination of symptoms could suggest a serious infection, such as meningitis or another febrile illness, requiring urgent evaluation.

While being very sleepy with a fever is concerning, it lacks the combination of symptoms that directly shows a potential for dehydration from vomiting. Monitoring for these specific symptoms is vital in pediatric care, as children's responses to illness can quickly escalate. Thus, the combination of a prolonged fever with additional gastrointestinal symptoms warrants prompt nursing evaluation and intervention.