When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation?
- A. Anorexia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Sudden relief from pain
- D. Decreased abdominal distention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, sudden relief from pain is a critical sign that could indicate perforation of the appendix. Perforation results in the release of pressure and inflammation, leading to a temporary relief of pain. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and decreased abdominal distention are symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis itself, not perforation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a direct manifestation of appendicitis or its complications.
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What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with epiglottitis?
- A. Administer antibiotics
- B. Maintain airway patency
- C. Provide hydration
- D. Monitor vital signs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain airway patency. When dealing with a child with epiglottitis, the priority nursing intervention is to ensure airway patency to prevent airway obstruction, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. Administering antibiotics (choice A) is important to treat the infection, but airway management takes precedence. Providing hydration (choice C) and monitoring vital signs (choice D) are essential aspects of care but are secondary to securing the airway in a child with epiglottitis.
What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?
- A. Gastroenteritis
- B. Constipation
- C. Appendicitis
- D. Irritable bowel syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.
What is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns?
- A. Jaundice
- B. Hypothermia
- C. Prolonged jaundice
- D. Excessive crying
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prolonged jaundice is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like jaundice, poor feeding, constipation, and lethargy. While jaundice itself is a common condition in newborns, the term 'prolonged jaundice' specifically points towards the underlying thyroid issue. Hypothermia and excessive crying are not typically associated with congenital hypothyroidism.
The parents of a newborn with an umbilical hernia ask about treatment options. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge?
- A. Surgery is recommended as soon as possible.
- B. The defect usually resolves spontaneously by 3 to 5 years of age.
- C. Aggressive treatment is necessary to reduce its high mortality.
- D. Taping the abdomen to flatten the protrusion is not recommended.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Most umbilical hernias in newborns resolve on their own by 3 to 5 years of age without the need for surgical intervention, unless complications arise. Surgery is not typically recommended for umbilical hernias in newborns due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution. Aggressive treatment is not necessary as umbilical hernias are typically benign and not associated with high mortality. Taping the abdomen is not recommended as it can cause skin irritation and does not speed up the resolution of the hernia.
What is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cystic fibrosis?
- A. Respiratory infections
- B. Malnutrition
- C. Diabetes
- D. Liver disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to thick mucus buildup in the lungs, which predisposes these children to recurrent respiratory infections. Malnutrition and diabetes are common comorbidities in cystic fibrosis but are not the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in affected children. Liver disease can occur in cystic fibrosis but is less common than respiratory complications.