A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler's 15-month visit, the healthcare provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse's best response to the parent?
- A. "The dose is close enough, and it doesn't really matter which one is given."
- B. "From your description, the medication is not necessary. It should be avoided at this age."
- C. "It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups."
- D. "The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing accounts for individual variations in drug metabolism and distribution, ensuring a more precise and safer medication administration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the importance of weight-based dosing in children, potentially leading to inappropriate dosing and safety concerns.
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A 2-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital for further surgical repair of a clubfoot is standing in the crib, crying. The child refuses to be comforted and calls for the mother. As the nurse approaches the crib to provide morning care, the child screams louder. Knowing that this behavior is typical of the stage of protest, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Use comforting measures while holding the child.
- B. Fill the basin with water and proceed to bathe the child.
- C. Sit by the crib and bathe the child later when the anxiety decreases.
- D. Postpone the bath for a day because a child this upset should not be traumatized further.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the stage of protest, children may exhibit distress and cling to familiar figures, resisting interactions with others. The most appropriate nursing intervention is to sit by the crib, offer comfort, and wait until the child's anxiety decreases before proceeding with bathing. This approach allows the child to feel supported and gradually transition to accepting care. Choice A is incorrect because forcing comfort may escalate the child's distress. Choice B is inappropriate as it disregards the child's emotional state and rushes into the bathing procedure. Choice D is not ideal as it suggests delaying care for an extended period, which may not address the child's immediate needs for comfort and hygiene.
Which nursing intervention provides the most support to the parents of an infant with an obvious physical anomaly?
- A. Encourage them to express their concerns.
- B. Discourage them from talking about their baby.
- C. Assure them not to worry because the anomaly can be repaired.
- D. Show them postoperative photographs of infants who had a similar anomaly.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging parents to express their concerns is the most supportive intervention as it allows them to process their emotions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to offer appropriate support and information. This choice focuses on validating the parents' feelings and creating an open communication channel. Choices B and C are incorrect as they can hinder the parents' emotional processing and may provide false reassurance. Choice D, showing postoperative photographs, may not be appropriate at this stage as it might not address the parents' current emotional needs and could induce anxiety or unrealistic expectations.
A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Encouraging regular exercise
- C. Administering antipyretics
- D. Administering antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.
A nurse is assessing the oral cavity of a 6-month-old infant. The parent asks which teeth will erupt first. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Incisors
- B. Canines
- C. Upper molars
- D. Lower molars
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Incisors. In infants, incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, typically around 6 months of age. These are the front teeth used for cutting food. Canines (Choice B), upper molars (Choice C), and lower molars (Choice D) typically erupt after the incisors. Canines are sharp teeth used for tearing food, while molars are flat teeth used for grinding food.
A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering IV immunoglobulin
- B. Monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms
- C. Encouraging fluid intake
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 3-year-old child with Kawasaki disease is monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms. Kawasaki disease can lead to the development of coronary artery aneurysms, which are one of the most serious complications of the disease. Early detection and monitoring of coronary artery changes are essential for prompt intervention and prevention of adverse outcomes. Administering IV immunoglobulin is an important treatment for Kawasaki disease, but monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms takes precedence as it directly impacts the child's long-term prognosis. Encouraging fluid intake and providing nutritional support are important aspects of care but are not the priority when compared to monitoring for potential life-threatening complications.