A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?
- A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and remove for 60 minutes.
- B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
- C. May take an NSAID for pain as prescribed.
- D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying ice in intervals helps to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a sprain. This intervention is crucial in the initial management of a sprain to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. Allowing the child to take an NSAID for pain as prescribed (Choice C) is a supportive measure but not as essential as ice application in the acute phase. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours (Choice D) may assist in reducing swelling, but it is not as critical as the immediate application of ice to manage pain and inflammation effectively.
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Seizures in children most often result from
- A. an abrupt rise in body temperature
- B. an inflammatory process in the brain
- C. a temperature greater than 102°F
- D. a life-threatening infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from an abrupt rise in body temperature, leading to febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are common in young children and are typically triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, often due to infections or other causes. An inflammatory process in the brain (Choice B) is less common as a cause of seizures in children and is usually associated with specific conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. While a temperature greater than 102°F (Choice C) may trigger a febrile seizure, it is the abrupt rise in temperature that is the primary cause. Choice D, a life-threatening infection, is a broad and less specific cause compared to the direct trigger of an abrupt rise in body temperature.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?
- A. Preventing infection
- B. Administering chemotherapy
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring fluid intake
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy compromises the child's immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Preventing infection is crucial to avoid potential complications such as sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Administering chemotherapy is essential for treating ALL but preventing infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Providing nutritional support is important for overall health but preventing infections is more critical in this context. Monitoring fluid intake is significant, but the priority is to prevent infections that can have severe consequences in an immunocompromised child.
Parents of a sick infant talk with a nurse about their baby. One parent says, "I am so upset; I didn't realize our baby was ill." What major indication of illness in an infant should the nurse explain to the parent?
- A. Grunting respirations
- B. Excessive perspiration
- C. Longer periods of sleep
- D. Crying immediately after feedings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Longer periods of sleep than usual can be a sign of illness in infants. When an infant sleeps more than usual, it can indicate that the baby is conserving energy due to an underlying condition. Grunting respirations (choice A) can be a sign of respiratory distress, not just an indication of illness. Excessive perspiration (choice B) can occur due to various reasons and is not a specific major indication of illness. Crying immediately after feedings (choice D) is a common behavior in infants and not necessarily a major indication of illness.
What should be included in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a tonsillectomy?
- A. Explaining the procedure in detail
- B. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
- C. Discussing the importance of hydration
- D. Using play therapy to prepare the child
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing exercises is important preoperative teaching for a child scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Deep breathing exercises can help the child relax and reduce anxiety, which is beneficial before the procedure. Explaining the procedure in detail might be overwhelming for a 4-year-old, whereas encouraging deep breathing exercises can be more beneficial in promoting relaxation and preparing the child. Discussing the importance of hydration is crucial for postoperative care but may not be the priority for preoperative teaching. Using play therapy can help prepare the child, but encouraging deep breathing exercises is more directly related to relaxation and preparation for the procedure.
When teaching a group of parents in the daycare center about accident prevention, the nurse explains that young toddlers are prone to injuries from falls. When receiving feedback, the nurse identifies that more teaching is needed when one parent states, 'I will:'
- A. keep medications in a medicine cabinet.
- B. have secured gates at entrances to staircases.
- C. move our child to a regular bed by the appropriate age.
- D. buy shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Moving a child to a regular bed by the appropriate age is not recommended as it can increase the risk of falls. Toddlers should transition to a regular bed only when developmentally ready to prevent accidents. Keeping medications in a medicine cabinet (Choice A) promotes safety by preventing accidental ingestion. Securing gates at entrances to staircases (Choice B) helps prevent falls down stairs. Buying shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces (Choice D) is a good practice to prevent tripping and falling.