The practical nurse is providing care for a toddler who has just returned from surgery for a tonsillectomy. Which intervention is a priority in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Offer clear fluids frequently.
- B. Encourage the child to cough and deep breathe.
- C. Monitor for frequent swallowing.
- D. Apply a warm compress to the throat area.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring for frequent swallowing is a priority intervention in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. Frequent swallowing may indicate bleeding from the surgical site, which requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as hemorrhage. Offering clear fluids frequently may not be appropriate immediately after surgery. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing may increase the risk of bleeding. Applying a warm compress to the throat area is not recommended as it can increase blood flow to the surgical site, potentially causing bleeding.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 15-month-old child is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The nurse notes that the child is not walking independently yet. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Refer the child for a developmental assessment
- B. Encourage the parents to start physical therapy
- C. Reassure the parents that some children walk later than others
- D. Discuss the importance of early intervention services
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to reassure the parents that some children walk later than others. It is essential to understand that children reach developmental milestones at different ages. Walking independently can occur later in some children, and it is normal. Referring the child for a developmental assessment (Choice A) may cause unnecessary concern at this stage. Encouraging physical therapy (Choice B) or discussing early intervention services (Choice D) may not be warranted unless there are specific concerns identified during the checkup.
When should a mother introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old baby girl? The mother states, 'My mother says I should put rice cereal in the baby's bottle now.' The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?
- A. Stops rooting when hungry
- B. Opens mouth when food comes her way
- C. Awakens once for nighttime feedings
- D. Gives up a bottle for a cup
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Opens mouth when food comes her way.' This behavior indicates readiness to start trying solid foods. Infants should be introduced to solid foods based on developmental cues, such as showing an interest in food and the ability to accept it. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of readiness for solid foods. Stopping rooting when hungry is a reflex that may persist beyond the readiness for solids. Awakening for nighttime feedings is a normal behavior for a 4-month-old, and transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a later developmental milestone.
When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
- B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
- C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
- D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.
What information should be reinforced with the mother of a child with ringworm (Tinea)?
- A. Ringworm is not contagious.
- B. Tinea infections are indicative of poor hygiene and uncleanliness.
- C. Tinea infections are spread by direct and indirect contact.
- D. Ringworm often subsides spontaneously.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ringworm, a fungal infection, is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact with infected individuals or animals and indirectly through contaminated objects. It is important for the mother to understand the modes of transmission to prevent the spread of the infection to others and to take necessary precautions to ensure proper treatment and containment of the condition. Choices A and D are incorrect because ringworm is indeed contagious, and it may not always subside spontaneously. Choice B is misleading as tinea infections are not solely indicative of poor hygiene; they can affect anyone, regardless of personal cleanliness.
The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a vaccine to a 5-year-old child. The child is visibly anxious and asks if the shot will hurt. What is the healthcare provider's best response?
- A. It might hurt a little, but it will be over quickly
- B. It won't hurt at all, don't worry
- C. You're a big kid now, and big kids don't cry
- D. If you don't think about it, it won't hurt
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a child expresses fear or anxiety about receiving a vaccination, it is essential for the healthcare provider to provide honest and reassuring information. Choice A acknowledges the potential for some discomfort but also reassures the child that it will be over quickly. This response validates the child's feelings while also preparing them for the procedure. Choices B, C, and D either provide false reassurance, dismiss the child's feelings, or suggest avoidance, which are not appropriate responses in this situation.