The parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome are being taught by the nurse on how to maintain the child's good health. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?
- A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age
- B. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the child
- C. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age
- D. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important, they are not typically a primary concern for a 1-month-old with Down syndrome compared to monitoring for congenital issues. Getting cervical radiographs, an echocardiogram, and monitoring for respiratory infections are more crucial in the early care of a child with Down syndrome. Cervical radiographs help in assessing for atlantoaxial instability, an echocardiogram is important for detecting congenital heart defects common in Down syndrome, and monitoring for respiratory infections is vital due to the increased risk in these children.
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During the health assessment of a school-age child, on which problem would the nurse focus more attention based on the child's developmental level?
- A. Infections
- B. Poisonings
- C. Risk-taking behaviors
- D. Accidents and injuries
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the school-age years, children are more physically active and curious, which increases their risk of accidents and injuries. This developmental stage is characterized by increased exploration and engagement in physical activities. While infections and poisonings are important health concerns, school-age children are more likely to be affected by accidents and injuries due to their active nature. Risk-taking behaviors may become more prevalent in adolescence rather than during the school-age period, making it a less likely focus for the nurse during the health assessment of a school-age child.
The child has been admitted for a sickle cell crisis. What would the nurse do first to provide adequate pain management?
- A. Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as ordered.
- B. Use guided imagery and therapeutic touch.
- C. Administer meperidine as ordered.
- D. Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Initiating pain assessment with a standardized pain scale is crucial in managing pain effectively during a sickle cell crisis. This step allows the nurse to objectively evaluate the child's pain level and tailor the pain management plan accordingly. Administering medication without a proper assessment could lead to inappropriate pain management. Using guided imagery and therapeutic touch may be beneficial as adjunct therapies but should not replace the initial pain assessment. Meperidine is not typically the first-line choice for pain management in sickle cell crisis due to its potential for neurotoxic metabolites.
What should the nurse include in the care plan for a 6-month-old infant admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
- A. Provide small, frequent feedings
- B. Administer antibiotics
- C. Maintain strict isolation
- D. Elevate the head of the bed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is crucial in the care plan for an infant with RSV as it helps improve breathing by facilitating better airflow and drainage of secretions. This position can also enhance comfort and reduce respiratory distress. Providing small, frequent feedings (Choice A) is generally beneficial for infants but is not specific to managing RSV. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) is not indicated for RSV as it is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Maintaining strict isolation (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of contagious infections but is not a direct intervention for improving the infant's respiratory status in RSV.
While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?
- A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
- B. Reflective of neurologic damage
- C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
- D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Needing assistance to climb stairs is considered expected behavior for an 18-month-old toddler. At this age, children are still developing their gross motor skills, coordination, and balance, which can vary in proficiency. It is common for toddlers to be able to crawl upstairs before mastering the skill of climbing stairs upright. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because at 18 months, it is normal for children to require help and practice with climbing stairs and does not necessarily point to any specific medical conditions or developmental issues.
Upon assessing a newborn immediately after delivery, you note that the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What is the most appropriate initial management for this newborn?
- A. begin positive pressure ventilations
- B. provide blow-by oxygen with oxygen tubing
- C. assess the newborn's skin condition and color
- D. start chest compressions and contact medical control
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A heart rate below 100 beats/min in a newborn indicates the need for positive pressure ventilation to improve oxygenation. Providing positive pressure ventilations helps in assisting the newborn's breathing efforts to ensure adequate oxygenation. Choice B, providing blow-by oxygen, may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue of inadequate breathing. Choice C, assessing the newborn's skin condition and color, is important but not the most immediate action needed for a heart rate below 100 beats/min. Choice D, starting chest compressions, is not indicated as the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate, albeit lower than normal, which does not warrant chest compressions.