The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?
- A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
- B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant's colonic bacteria.
- C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
- D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.
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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 health care 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 medications are not necessary. They 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 helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.
A 1-year-old child has a congenital cardiac malformation that causes right-to-left shunting of blood through the heart. What clinical finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Proteinuria
- B. Peripheral edema
- C. Elevated hematocrit
- D. Absence of pedal pulses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a child with a congenital cardiac malformation causing right-to-left shunting of blood, the nurse should expect an elevated hematocrit. This occurs because the body compensates for decreased oxygenation by producing more red blood cells. Proteinuria (Choice A) is not a typical clinical finding related to right-to-left shunting. Peripheral edema (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions causing volume overload, such as left-sided heart failure. Absence of pedal pulses (Choice D) is not directly related to right-to-left shunting but may be seen in conditions affecting peripheral circulation.
At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. Which of the following statements regarding crowning is true?
- A. Crowning represents the end of the second stage of labor.
- B. Crowning always occurs immediately after the amniotic sac has ruptured.
- C. It is safe to transport the patient during crowning if the hospital is close.
- D. Gentle pressure should be applied to the baby's head during crowning.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During crowning, it is important to apply gentle pressure to the baby's head. This helps to prevent rapid delivery, which can lead to tearing and other complications for both the mother and the baby. Applying pressure also helps to control the delivery process, ensuring a safer and more controlled birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because crowning does not signify the end of the second stage of labor, does not always occur immediately after the amniotic sac ruptures, and it is not safe to transport the patient during crowning, especially if the hospital is nearby, as rapid delivery can occur.
An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department, and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m., her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?
- A. Notifying the doctor immediately
- B. Applying ice
- C. Elevating the arm
- D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice or elevating the arm may not address the potential serious underlying issue of compartment syndrome. Giving additional pain medication without further assessment could delay necessary intervention and potentially worsen the condition.
A parent calls the clinic because their child has ingested a small amount of household bleach. What should the nurse advise?
- A. Administer activated charcoal
- B. Induce vomiting immediately
- C. Call the poison control center
- D. Take the child to the emergency department
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the case of a child ingesting household bleach, the primary advice should be to call the poison control center (Choice C). The poison control center can provide specific guidance on how to manage the ingestion, including whether any immediate interventions are necessary. Administering activated charcoal (Choice A) or inducing vomiting immediately (Choice B) can worsen the situation as they are not recommended treatments for bleach ingestion. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) may be necessary depending on the advice given by the poison control center, but the initial step should be to seek guidance from the experts at the poison control center.