A parent tells the nurse in the emergency department, 'My 3-year-old has had a fever for several days and has been vomiting.' After instituting ordered measures to reduce the fever, what nursing action is most important?
- A. Preventing shivering
- B. Restricting oral fluids
- C. Measuring output hourly
- D. Taking vital signs hourly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preventing shivering is crucial in this scenario as it can increase body temperature and counteract the effects of antipyretic measures aimed at reducing the fever. Shivering generates heat through muscle activity, which can elevate the body temperature. Restricting oral fluids (choice B) is inappropriate as maintaining hydration is vital, especially in cases of fever and vomiting. Measuring output hourly (choice C) and taking vital signs hourly (choice D) are important nursing actions but not the most critical in this case where preventing shivering takes precedence.
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What is the appropriate therapeutic management for children with Hirschsprung disease?
- A. daily enemas
- B. low-fiber diet
- C. permanent colostomy
- D. surgical removal of the affected section of bowel
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a segment of the colon lacking nerve cells, leading to obstruction. The definitive treatment involves surgically removing the affected segment, followed by a pull-through procedure to restore normal bowel continuity. Daily enemas (choice A) are not the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While dietary adjustments may be advised, a low-fiber diet (choice B) alone is not curative for this condition. A permanent colostomy (choice C) is considered a last resort if surgical interventions fail or in severe cases, but it is not the initial therapeutic approach for managing Hirschsprung disease.
When caring for a 2-year-old girl who is wheezing and has difficulty breathing, which interview question would provide the most useful information related to the symptoms of the child?
- A. Inquiring about child safety in the home
- B. Asking about the temperament of the child
- C. Asking about the child's diet
- D. Asking the parents if they smoke in the home
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Asking the parents if they smoke in the home is the most relevant question as exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing in children. This information is crucial for identifying potential triggers for the child's symptoms. Inquiring about child safety in the home, asking about the child's temperament, and inquiring about the child's diet, while important aspects of care, may not directly address the respiratory symptoms the child is experiencing.
A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Maintain a structured routine
- B. Encourage social interaction
- C. Use positive reinforcement
- D. Use a communication board
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a structured routine. Children with autism spectrum disorder benefit from a structured routine as it provides them with stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior management. Encouraging social interaction (Choice B) may not be suitable for all children with autism, as some may struggle with social skills. While positive reinforcement (Choice C) is a helpful strategy, maintaining a structured routine is more essential for overall management in children with autism spectrum disorder. Using a communication board (Choice D) may be beneficial for communication, but establishing a structured routine is a foundational strategy that should be prioritized in the discharge teaching for a child with autism spectrum disorder.
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.
When a child with a diagnosis of asthma is prescribed a peak flow meter, what should the nurse teach the child and parents about using this device?
- A. Use the device before taking medication
- B. Use the device during asthma attacks
- C. Record the best of three attempts
- D. Use the device after eating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to record the best of three attempts when using a peak flow meter. This method provides a more accurate measure of peak expiratory flow. Choice A is incorrect because using the device before taking medication may not reflect the actual peak flow, as medication can affect lung function. Choice B is incorrect as using the device during asthma attacks may not be feasible or safe, as the focus during an attack should be on managing symptoms rather than measuring peak flow. Choice D is incorrect because using the device after eating may not provide an accurate measurement of peak flow, as digestion can affect lung function temporarily.