A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. The nurse's first action is to
- A. administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
- B. administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
- C. notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
- D. notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea, the priority action is to suspect acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner for immediate evaluation and intervention. Administering 100% oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the initial priority. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should not precede notifying the practitioner, as addressing the underlying cause is crucial. The symptoms described are more indicative of acute chest syndrome than a stroke, so notifying the practitioner for chest syndrome (Choice C) takes precedence over suspecting a stroke (Choice D).
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Why should a nurse plan an evening snack for a child receiving Novolin N insulin?
- A. To encourage the child to adhere to the diet.
- B. To provide energy for immediate use.
- C. To help the child gain weight with extra calories.
- D. To counteract late insulin activity with nourishment.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Novolin N insulin peaks in the evening, which can lead to hypoglycemia during the night. Providing an evening snack helps to counteract the late insulin activity and prevent hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because the primary reason for the evening snack is not to encourage adherence to the diet. Choice B is incorrect as the snack is not primarily for immediate energy use. Choice C is incorrect as the goal of the snack is not to help the child gain weight but to manage blood sugar levels.
During a physical examination of a 9-month-old baby, the nurse observes a flat, discolored area on the skin. The nurse documents this as a:
- A. Papule.
- B. Macule.
- C. Vesicle.
- D. Scale.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, discolored area on the skin that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. This term is used to describe conditions like freckles or petechiae. Choice A, Papule, refers to a small, solid, raised skin lesion (<0.5 cm) like a pimple. Choice C, Vesicle, describes a small blister filled with clear fluid. Choice D, Scale, refers to flakes or plates of dead skin that may be dry or greasy.
What behavior does the nurse anticipate when feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?
- A. Chokes during feeding
- B. Experiences swallowing challenges
- C. Lacks hunger cues
- D. Takes about half of the feeding
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When feeding a newborn with choanal atresia, the nurse can anticipate that the infant may take only part of the feeding before pausing for air. This is due to the fact that infants with choanal atresia struggle to breathe through their nose while feeding. Choice A is incorrect as choking typically involves a more severe airway obstruction. Choice B is incorrect because difficulty swallowing is not the primary concern in choanal atresia. Choice C is incorrect as the issue is not related to hunger cues but rather the physiological challenges associated with breathing while feeding.
The parents of an infant ask the nurse why their baby is scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine rather than the oral vaccine. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
- B. The consensus is that either can be used, since both produce the same results and are equally safe.
- C. The oral vaccine is more expensive, so the intramuscular vaccine is preferred unless it is contraindicated.
- D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine because it has a better safety profile compared to the oral vaccine. Choice B is incorrect because the AAP specifically recommends the intramuscular vaccine over the oral vaccine. Choice C is incorrect as cost is not the primary reason for preferring the intramuscular vaccine. Choice D is incorrect as the recommendation is based on safety rather than the immunocompromised status of the infant or family members.
A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid triggers that cause flare-ups
- B. Apply topical corticosteroids as prescribed
- C. Use a soft toothbrush for oral care
- D. Avoid contact with sick individuals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to apply topical corticosteroids as prescribed. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be managed with topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. While avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups is important in managing atopic dermatitis, the primary treatment approach involves using prescribed medications like corticosteroids. Using a soft toothbrush for oral care and avoiding contact with sick individuals are not directly related to managing atopic dermatitis and are not the priority discharge teachings in this case.