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.
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A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?
- A. Administering bronchodilators
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
- D. Encouraging fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing by assisting with mucus clearance and ventilation. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be considered in some cases, but it is not the most crucial intervention for bronchiolitis. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but is not as directly impactful as providing respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is important for hydration but does not directly address the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.
A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for
- A. vomiting
- B. seizures
- C. combativeness
- D. respiratory distress
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.
A healthcare provider is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the healthcare provider explain is the cause of colicky behavior?
- A. Inadequate peristalsis
- B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
- C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
- D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Colicky behavior in infants is primarily characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, resulting in excessive crying and fussiness. The pain episodes are often unpredictable and can be distressing for both the infant and the parents. Inadequate peristalsis (Choice A) refers to weak or ineffective bowel movements and is not the typical cause of colic. While some infants may experience colic due to an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), this is not the primary cause of colic behavior in all infants. Choice D, a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins, is not a recognized cause of colic. Therefore, the correct explanation for the cause of colicky behavior in infants is paroxysmal abdominal pain.
What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?
- A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
- B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
- C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
- D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.
A 3-year-old child is being discharged after being treated for dehydration. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection
- B. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- C. Monitor for signs of hypovolemia
- D. Monitor for signs of malnutrition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct! When a child is being discharged after treatment for dehydration, it is important to educate caregivers about monitoring for signs of dehydration to prevent reoccurrence. Dehydration is the primary concern in this scenario, as the child's fluid levels need to be closely monitored. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while infection, hypovolemia, and malnutrition are also important considerations in pediatric care, the immediate focus after treating dehydration should be on preventing its recurrence by monitoring for signs of dehydration.