Ricci Chapter 40
19. When performing the physical examination of a child with cystic fibrosis, what would the nurse expect to assess? A. Dullness over the lung fields B. Increased diaphragmatic excursion C. Decreased tactile fremitus D. Hyperresonance over the liver
Answer: C Rationale: Examination of a child with cystic fibrosis typically reveals decreased tactile fremitus over areas of atelectasis, hyperresonance over the lung fields from air trapping, decreased diaphragmatic excursion, and dullness over the liver when enlarged.
6. The nurse is educating the parents of a 7-year-old boy with asthma about the medications that have been prescribed. Which drug would the nurse identify as an adjunct to a β2-adrenergic agonist for treatment of bronchospasm? A. Ipratropium B. Montelukast C. Cromolyn D. Theophylline
Answer: A Rationale: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic administered via inhalation to produce bronchodilation without systemic effects. It is generally used as an adjunct to a β2-adrenergic agonist. Montelukast decreases the inflammatory response by antagonizing the effects of leukotrienes. Cromolyn prevents release of histamine from sensitized mast cells. Theophylline provides for continuous airway relaxation.
27. A child is in the emergency department with an asthma exaccerbation. Upon asucultation the nurse is unable to hear air movement in the lungs. What action should the nurse take first? A. Administer a beta-2 adrenergic agonist B. Administer oxygen C. Start a peripheral IV D. Administer corticosteroids
Answer: A Rationale: When lungs sounds are unable to be heard in a child with asthma, the child is very ill. This means there is severe airway obstruction. The air movement is so severe wheezes cannot be heard. The priority treatment is to administer an inhaled short term bronchodilator (beta-2 adrenergic agonist). The child may require numerous inhalations until bronchodilation occurs and air can pass through the bronchi. Oxygen can be started but until the brochi are dilated no oxygen can get through to the lung fields. In IV would need to be started and IV steroids administered to reduce the inflammation, but the priority is bronchodilation.
24. The nurse is teaching the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis about nutrition requirements for the child. What should be included in this teaching? A. "Give your child high-calorie foods and snacks." B. "Feed your child foods that are high in protein." C. "Administer water soluble vitamins." D. "Give panreatic enzymes with meals." E. "Give your child foods high in fat."
Answer: A, B, D Rationale: Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have trouble digesting and absorbing nutrients. They tend to be underweight. For optimal health, their diets should be high in calories and high in protein, with the supplementation of fat soluble vitamins and pancreatic enzymes. This diet helps with growth and the optimal nutrients. The fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) are needed, because children with CF have trouble absorbing fat and need the vitamin supplementation to aid in fat absorption. Water soluble vitamins (the B vitamins and vitamin C) do not aid in fat absorption. The child should not have a high-fat diet, because the extra fat is difficult to digest and be absorbed. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary because they are missing due to the disease process. They are necessary to aid in digestion. They should be ingested with meals.
26. A parent with a child who has cystic fibrosis asks the nurse how to determine if the child is receiving an adequate amount of pancreatic enzymes. How should the nurse respond? Select all that apply. A. "The dose is adequate when your child is only having 1 to 2 stools per day." B. "The dose is adequate when your child's weight is improving." C. "The dose prescribed is based on your child's pancreatic laboratory values so it should be correct." D. "When your child starts to eat more quantity of food you will need to adjust the amount of enzyme pills." E. "You will need to give your child less enzyme pills when high-fat foods are eaten."
Answer: A, B, D Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are required for the child with cystic fibrosis (CF) to help absorb nutrients from the diet and to aid in digestion. They are given with each meal and snack the child eats. The number of capsules required at each dose depends upon the diagnosis of how the pancreas is functioning and the amount of food needing to be digested. The pancreatic laboratory values may detemine a baseline for the number of pills to start with, but the dosage is adjusted regularly. The dosage of pancreatic enzymes is adjusted until an adequate growth pattern is established and the child is having no more than 1 to 2 stools per day. The child should be given an increased number of enzyme pills when a meal with high-fat content is consumed, not fewer.
15. A group of nursing students are reviewing the medications used to treat asthma. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as appropriate for an acute episode of bronchospasm? A. Salmeterol B. Albuterol C. Ipratropium D. Cromolyn
Answer: B Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist that is used for treatment of acute bronchospasm. Salmeterol is a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist used for long-term control or exercise-induced asthma. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic agent used as an adjunct to β2- adrenergic agonists for treatment of bronchospasm. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer used prophylactically but not to relieve bronchospasm during an acute wheezing episode.
17. A nursing instructor is preparing a class on chronic lung disease. What information would the instructor include when describing this disorder? A. It is a result of cystic fibrosis. B. It is seen most commonly in premature infants. C. It typically affects females more often than males. D. It is characterized by bradypnea.
Answer: B Rationale: Chronic lung disease, formerly known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is often diagnosed in infants who have experienced respiratory distress syndrome, most commonly seen in premature infants. Male gender is a risk factor for development. Tachypnea and increased work of breathing are characteristic of chronic lung disease.
1. The nurse is examining an 8-year-old boy with tachycardia and tachypnea. The nurse anticipates which test as most helpful in determining the extent of the child's hypoxia? A. Pulmonary function test B. Pulse oximetry C. Peak expiratory flow D. Chest radiograph
Answer: B Rationale: Pulse oximetry is a useful tool for determining the extent of hypoxia. It can be used by the nurse for continuous or intermittent monitoring. Pulmonary function testing measures respiratory flow and lung volumes and is indicated for asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung disease. Peak expiratory flow testing is used to monitor the adequacy of asthma control. Chest radiographs can show hyperinflation, atelectasis, pneumonia, foreign bodies, pleural effusion, and abnormal heart or lung size.
16. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical examination of a child with asthma. Which technique would the nurse be least likely to perform? A. Inspection B. Palpation C. Percussion D. Auscultation
Answer: B Rationale: When examining the child with asthma, the nurse would inspect, auscultate, and percuss. Palpation would not be used.
2. The nurse is discussing discharge instructions with the parents of a 6-year-old who had a tonsillectomy. What is the most important thing to stress? A. Administer analgesics. B. Encourage the child to drink liquids. C. Inspect the throat for bleeding. D. Apply an ice collar.
Answer: C Rationale: Inspecting the throat for bleeding is the most important discharge information to give the parents. Hemorrhage is unusual postoperatively but may occur any time from the immediate postoperative period to as late as 10 days after surgery. The nurse should inspect the throat for bleeding. Mucus tinged with blood may be expected, but fresh blood in the secretions indicates bleeding. Administering analgesics, encouraging fluids and applying an ice color are important but not as important as assessing for bleeding.
18. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis about medication therapy. Which would the nurse instruct the parents to administer orally? A. Recombinant human DNase B. Bronchodilators C. Anti-inflammatory agents D. Pancreatic enzymes
Answer: D Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are administered orally to promote adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. Recombinant human DNase, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory agents are typically administered by inhalation.