Ch. 36, 37

An adolescent male visits his primary care provider complaining of difficulty with his vision. When the nurse asks the adolescent to explain what visual deficits he is experiencing, the adolescent states, "I am having difficulty seeing distant objects; they are less clear than things that are close." What disorder does the nurse suspect the adolescent has? a. Hyphema c. Amblyopia b. Astigmatism d. Myopia

D Myopic patients have the ability to see near objects more clearly than those at a distance; it is caused by the image focusing beyond the retina. Hyphema includes hemorrhage in the anterior chamber and is not a refractive disorder. Astigmatism is caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea or lens. Amblyopia is a problem of reduced visual acuity not correctable by refraction.

The nurse is providing support to parents at the time their child is diagnosed with chronic disabilities. The nurse notices that the parents keep asking the same questions. The nurse should: a. Patiently continue to answer questions. b. Kindly refer them to someone else to answer their questions. c. Recognize that some parents cannot understand explanations. d. Suggest that they ask their questions when they are not upset.

A Diagnosis is one of the anticipated stress points for parents. The parents may not hear or remember all that is said to them. The nurse should continue to provide the kind of information that they desire. This is a particularly stressful time for the parents; the nurse can play a key role in providing necessary information. Parents should be provided with oral and written information. The nurse needs to work with the family to ensure understanding of the information. The parents require information at the time of diagnosis. Other questions will arise as they adjust to the information.

The parents of a child born with disabilities ask the nurse for advice about discipline. The nurse's response should be based on knowledge that discipline is: a. Essential for the child. b. Too difficult to implement with a special-needs child. c. Not needed unless the child becomes problematic. d. Best achieved with punishment for misbehavior.

A Discipline is essential for the children with disabilities. It provides boundaries within which to test their behavior and teaches them socially acceptable behaviors. It is not too difficult to implement discipline with a special-needs child. The nurse should teach the parents ways to manage the child's behavior before it becomes problematic. Punishment is not effective in managing behavior.

A nurse would suspect possible visual impairment in a child who displays: a. Excessive rubbing of the eyes. b. Rapid lateral movement of the eyes. c. Delay in speech development. d. Lack of interest in casual conversation with peers.

A Excessive rubbing of the eyes is a clinical manifestation of visual impairment. Rapid lateral movement of the eyes, delay in speech development, and lack of interest in casual conversation with peers are not associated with visual impairment.

A common parental reaction to a child with special needs is parental overprotection. Parental behavior suggestive of this includes: a. Giving inconsistent discipline. b. Providing consistent, strict discipline. c. Forcing child to help self, even when not capable. d. Encouraging social and educational activities not appropriate to child's level of capability.

A Parental overprotection is manifested by the parents' fear of letting the child achieve any new skill, avoiding all discipline, and catering to the child's every desire to prevent frustration. The overprotective parents usually do not set limits and or institute discipline, and they usually prefer to remain in the role of total caregiver. They do not allow the child to perform self-care or encourage the child to try new activities.

Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention to promote normalization in a school-age child with a chronic illness? a. Give child as much control as possible. b. Ask child's peer to make child feel normal. c. Convince child that nothing is wrong with him or her. d. Explain to parents that family rules for the child do not need to be the same as for healthy siblings.

A The school-age child who is ill may be forced into a period of dependency. To foster normalcy, the child should be given as much control as possible. It is unrealistic to expect one individual to make the child feel normal. The child has a chronic illness. It would be unacceptable to convince the child that nothing is wrong. The family rules should be similar for each of the children in a family. Resentment and hostility can arise if different standards are applied to each child.

The nurse is talking with the parents of a child who died 6 months ago. They sometimes still "hear" the child's voice and have trouble sleeping. They describe feeling "empty" and depressed. The nurse should recognize that: a. These are normal grief responses. b. The pain of the loss is usually less by this time. c. These grief responses are more typical of the early stages of grief. d. This grieving is essential until the pain is gone and the child is gradually forgotten.

A These are normal grief responses. The process of grief work is lengthy and resolution of grief may take years, with intensification during the early years. The child will never be forgotten by the parents.

What is a priority nursing diagnosis for the preschool child with chronic illness? a. Risk for Delayed Growth and Development related to chronic illness or disability b. Chronic Pain related to frequent injections c. Anticipatory Grieving related to impending death d. Anxiety related to frequent hospitalizations

A This is the priority nursing diagnosis that is appropriate for the majority of chronic illnesses. Pain is not associated with the majority of chronic illnesses. A chronic illness is one that does not have a cure. It does not mean the child will die prematurely. Frequent hospitalizations are not necessarily required for many chronic illnesses.

An appropriate nursing intervention when providing comfort and support for a child whose death is imminent is to: a. Limit care to essentials. b. Avoid playing music near the child. c. Explain to the child the need for constant measurement of vital signs. d. Whisper to the child instead of using a normal voice.

A When death is imminent, care should be limited to interventions for palliative care. Music may be used to provide comfort for the child. Vital signs do not need to be measured frequently. The nurse should speak to the child in a clear, distinct voice.

A cure is no longer possible for a young child with cancer. The nursing staff recognizes that the goal of treatment must shift from cure to palliation. Which is an important consideration at this time? a. The family is included in the decision to shift the goals of treatment. b. The decision must be made by the health professionals involved in the child's care. c. The family needs to understand that palliative care takes place in the home. d. The decision should not be communicated to the family because it will encourage a sense of hopelessness.

A When the child reaches the terminal stage, the nurse and physician should explore the family's wishes. The family should help decide what interventions will occur as they plan for their child's death.

Which best describes how preschoolers react to the death of a loved one? a. The preschooler is too young to have a concept of death. b. A preschooler is likely to feel guilty and responsible for the death. c. Grief is acute but does not last long at this age. d. Grief is usually expressed in the same way in which the adults in the preschooler's life are expressing grief.

B Because of egocentricity, the preschooler may feel guilty and responsible for the death. Preschoolers usually have some understanding of the meaning of death. Death is seen as a departure or some kind of sleep and they have no understanding of the permanence of death.

Families progress through various stages of reactions when a child is diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability. After the shock phase, a period of adjustment usually follows. This is often characterized by: a. Denial. c. Social reintegration. b. Guilt and anger. d. Acceptance of child's limitations.

B For most families, the adjustment phase is accompanied by several responses that are normally part of the adjustment process. Guilt, self-accusation, bitterness, and anger are common reactions. The initial diagnosis of a chronic illness or disability often is often met with intense emotion and characterized by shock and denial. Social reintegration and acceptance of the child's limitations is the culmination of the adjustment process.

Which statement by a parent about a child's conjunctivitis indicates that further teaching is needed? a. "I'll have separate towels and washcloths for each family member." b. "I'll notify my doctor if the eye gets redder or the drainage increases." c. "When the eye drainage improves, we'll stop giving the antibiotic ointment." d. "After taking the antibiotic for 24 hours, my child can return to school."

C The antibiotic should be continued for the full prescription. Maintaining separate towels and washcloths will prevent the other family members from acquiring the infection. If the infection proliferates, the physician should be contacted. The child should be kept home from school or day care until the child receives the antibiotic for 24 hours.

A 10-year-old patient is talking to the nurse about wanting to try contact lenses instead of wearing glasses. She states that the other children at her school call her "four-eyes." Contact lenses should be prescribed for a child who is: a. At least 12 years of age. b. Able to read all the written information and instructions. c. Able to independently care for the lenses in a responsible manner. d. Confident that she really wants contact lenses.

C The child must be able to care for the lenses independently. Serious eye damage can occur with irresponsible use of contact lenses. Chronologic age is not the major determinant. A responsible 10-year-old child might be permitted to wear contact lenses. The ability to read does not indicate understanding of the instructions. Confidence and "wanting" do not equal responsibility.

What should the nurse identify as major fears in the preschool child who is hospitalized with a chronic illness (select all that apply)? a. Altered body image b. Separation from peer group c. Bodily injury d. Mutilation e. Being left alone

C, D, E Bodily injury, mutilation, and being left alone are all major fears of the preschooler. Altered body image and separation from peers are major fears in the adolescent.

A 2-year-old girl has excessive tearing and corneal haziness. The nurse knows that these symptoms may indicate: a. Viral conjunctivitis. c. Congenital cataract. b. Paralytic strabismus. d. Infantile glaucoma.

D Excessive tearing and corneal haziness are indicative of glaucoma. Because the child is younger than 3 years of age, it would be classified as "infantile." Discharge is noted with conjunctivitis. Corneal haziness is not a symptom of conjunctivitis. Paralytic strabismus is caused by weakness or paralysis of one or more of the extraocular muscles. Neither tearing nor corneal haziness is a symptom of paralytic strabismus. Congenital cataract will present as an opacity, but not excessive tearing.

What is the most appropriate response to a school-age child who asks if she can talk to her dying sister? a. "You need to speak loudly so she can hear you." b. "Holding her hand would be better because at this point she can't hear you." c. "Although she can't hear you, she can feel your presence so sit close to her." d. "Even though she will probably not answer you, she can still hear what you say to her."

D Hearing is the last sense to cease before death. Talking to the dying child is important both for the child and for the family. There is no evidence that the dying process decreases hearing acuity; therefore, the sister should speak at a normal volume. The sibling should be encouraged to speak to the child, as well as sit close to the bed and hold the child's hand.

The teaching plan for the parents of a 3-year-old child with amblyopia ("lazy eye") should include what instruction? a. Apply a patch to the child's eyeglass lenses. b. Apply a patch only during waking hours. c. Apply a patch over the "bad" eye to strengthen it. d. Cover the "good" eye completely with a patch.

D The "good" eye is patched to force the child to use the "bad" eye, thus strengthening the muscles. The patch should always be applied directly to the child's face, not to eyeglasses. The patch should be left in place even when the child is sleeping. Covering the "bad" eye will not contribute to strengthening it. The "good" eye should be patched.

An adolescent gets hit in the eye during a fight. The school nurse, using a flashlight, notes the presence of gross hyphema (hemorrhage into anterior chamber). The nurse should: a. Apply a Fox shield. b. Instruct the adolescent to apply ice for 24 hours. c. Have adolescent rest with eye closed and ice applied. d. Notify parents that adolescent needs to see an ophthalmologist.

D The parents should be notified that the adolescent must see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Applying a Fox shield, instructing the adolescent to apply ice for 24 hours, and having the adolescent rest with the eye closed and ice applied may cause further damage.

Which represents a common best practice in the provision of services to children with chronic or complex conditions? a. Care is focused on the child's chronologic age. b. Children with complex conditions are integrated into regular classrooms. c. Disabled children are less likely to be cared for by their families. d. Children with complex conditions are placed in residential treatment facilities.

B Normalization refers to behaviors and interventions for people with disabilities to integrate into society by living life as people without a disability would. For children, normalization includes attending school and being integrated into regular classrooms. This affords the child the advantages of learning with a wide group of peers. Care is necessarily focused on the child's developmental age. Home care by the family is considered best practice. The nurse can assist families by assessing social support systems, coping strategies, family cohesiveness, and family and community resources.

A preschooler is found digging up a pet bird that was recently buried after it died. The best explanation for this behavior is that: a. He has a morbid preoccupation with death. b. He is looking to see if a ghost took it away. c. The loss is not yet resolved, and professional counseling is needed. d. Reassurance is needed that the pet has not gone somewhere else.

D The preschooler can recognize that the pet has died but has difficulties with the permanence. Digging up the bird gives reassurance that the bird is still present. A morbid preoccupation with death and the child looking to see if a ghost took it away are expected responses. If they persist, intervention may be required.

A nurse is planning palliative care for a child with severe pain. Which should the nurse expect to be prescribed for pain relief? a. Opioids as needed c. Distraction and relaxation techniques b. Opioids on a regular schedule d. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

B Pain medications for children in palliative care should be given on a regular schedule, and extra doses for breakthrough pain should be available to maintain comfort. Opioid drugs such as morphine should be given for severe pain, and the dose should be increased as necessary to maintain optimal pain relief. Techniques such as distraction, relaxation techniques, and guided imagery should be combined with drug therapy to provide the child and family strategies to control pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are not sufficient to manage severe pain for children in palliative care.

The nurse comes into the room of a child who was just diagnosed with a chronic disability. The child's parents begin to yell at the nurse about a variety of concerns. The nurse's best response is: a. "What is really wrong?" b. "Being angry is only natural." c. "Yelling at me will not change things." d. "I will come back when you settle down."

B Parental anger after the diagnosis of a child with a chronic disability is a common response. One of the most common targets for parental anger is members of the staff. The nurse should recognize the common response of anger to the diagnosis and allow the family to ventilate. "What is really wrong?" "Yelling at me will not change things," and "I will come back when you settle down" are all possible responses, but they are not the likely reasons for this anger.

A child with autism is hospitalized with asthma. The nurse should plan care so that the: a. Parents' expectations are met. b. Child's routine habits and preferences are maintained. c. Child is supported through the autistic crisis. d. Parents need not be at the hospital.

B Children with autism are often unable to tolerate even slight changes in routine. The child's routine habits and preferences are important to maintain. Focus of care is on the child's needs rather than on the parent's desires. Autism is a lifelong condition. The presence of the parents is almost always required when an autistic child is hospitalized.

At the time of a child's death, the nurse tells his mother, "We will miss him so much." The best interpretation of this is that the nurse is: a. Pretending to be experiencing grief. b. Expressing personal feelings of loss. c. Denying the mother's sense of loss. d. Talking when listening would be better.

B The death of a patient is one of the most stressful aspects of a critical care or oncology nurse. Nurses experience reactions similar to those of family members because of their involvement with the child and family during the illness. Nurses often have feelings of personal loss when a patient dies. The nurse is experiencing a normal grief response to the death of a patient. There is no implication that the mother's loss is minimized. The nurse is validating the worth of the child.

Which term refers to opacity of the crystalline lens that prevents light rays from entering the eye and refracting on the retina? a. Myopia c. Cataract b. Amblyopia d. Glaucoma

C A cataract refers to opacity of the crystalline lens that prevents light rays from entering the eye and refracting on the retina. Myopia, or nearsightedness, refers to the ability to see objects clearly at close range but not at a distance. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is reduced visual acuity in one eye. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure.

The child with Down syndrome should be evaluated for what characteristic before participating in some sports? a. Hyperflexibility c. Atlantoaxial instability b. Cutis marmorata d. Speckling of iris (Brushfield's spots)

C Children with Down syndrome are at risk for atlantoaxial instability. Before participating in sports that put stress on the head and neck, a radiologic examination should be done. Although hyperflexibility, cutis marmorata, and Brushfield's spots are characteristics of Down syndrome, they do not affect the child's ability to participate in sports.

At what developmental period do children have the most difficulty coping with death, particularly if it is their own? a. Toddlerhood c. School-age b. Preschool d. Adolescence

D Because of their mature understanding of death, remnants of guilt and shame, and issues with deviations from normal, adolescents have the most difficulty coping with death. Toddlers and preschoolers are too young to have difficulty coping with their own death. They will fear separation from parents. School-age children will fear the unknown, such as the consequences of the illness and the threat to their sense of security.

Most parents of children with special needs tend to experience chronic sorrow. This is characterized by: a. Lack of acceptance of the child's limitation. b. Lack of available support to prevent sorrow. c. Periods of intensified sorrow when experiencing anger and guilt. d. Periods of intensified sorrow and loss that occur in waves over time.

D Chronic sorrow is manifested by feelings of sorrow and loss that recur in waves over time. The sorrow is in response to the recognition of the child's limitations. The family should be assessed in an ongoing manner to provide appropriate support as the needs of the family change. The sorrow is not preventable. The chronic sorrow occurs during the reintegration and acknowledgment stage.

The nurse is talking to the parent of a 13-month-old child. The mother states, "My child does not make noises like 'da' or 'na' like my sister's baby, who is only 9 months old." Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate to make? a. "I am going to request a referral to a hearing specialist." b. "You should not compare your child to your sister's child." c. "I think your child is fine, but we will check again in 3 months." d. "You should ask other parents what noises their children made at this age."

A By 11 months of age, a child should be making well-formed syllables such as "da" or "na" and should be referred to a specialist if not. "You should not compare your child to your sister's child," "I think your child is fine, but we will check again in 3 months," and "You should ask other parents what noises their children made at this age" are not appropriate statements to make to the parent.

The most common type of hearing loss, which results from interference of transmission of sound to the middle ear, is called: a. Conductive. c. Mixed conductive-sensorineural. b. Sensorineural. d. Central auditory imperceptive.

A Conductive or middle-ear hearing loss is the most common type. It results from interference of transmission of sound to the middle ear, most often from recurrent otitis media. Sensorineural, mixed conductive-sensorineural, and central auditory imperceptive are less common types of hearing loss.

Which assessment findings indicate to the nurse a child has Down syndrome (select all that apply)? a. High-arched, narrow palate b. Protruding tongue c. Long, slender fingers d. Transverse palmar crease e. Hypertonic muscle tone

A, B, D The assessment findings of Down syndrome include high-arched, narrow palate; protruding tongue; and transverse palmar creases. The fingers are stubby and the muscle tone is hypotonic, not hypertonic.

Which are appropriate statements the nurse should make to parents after the death of their child (select all that apply)? a. "We feel so sorry that we couldn't save your child." b. "Your child isn't suffering anymore." c. "I know how you feel." d. "You're feeling all the pain of losing a child." e. "You are still young enough to have another baby."

A, D By saying, "We feel so sorry that we couldn't save your child," the nurse is expressing personal feeling of loss or frustration, which is therapeutic. Stating, "You're feeling all the pain of losing a child," focuses on a feeling, which is therapeutic. The statement, "Your child isn't suffering anymore," is a judgmental statement, which is nontherapeutic. "I know how you feel" and "You're still young

Which describe avoidance behaviors a parent may exhibit when learning that his or her child has a chronic condition (select all that apply)? a. Refuses to agree to treatment b. Shares burden of disorder with others c. Verbalizes possible loss of child d. Withdraws from outside world e. Punishes self because of guilt and shame

A, D, E A parent who refuses to agree to treatment, withdraws from the outside world, and punishes self because of guilt and shame is exhibiting avoidance coping behaviors. A parent who shares the burden of disorder with others and verbalizes possible loss of child is exhibiting approach coping behaviors.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder. The diagnostic criteria for autism include delayed or abnormal functioning in which area(s) with onset before age 3 years (select all that apply)? a. Language as used in social communication b. Gross motor development c. Growth below the 5th percentile for height and weight d. Symbolic or imaginative play e. Social interaction

A, D, E Language as used in social communication, symbolic or imaginative play, and social interaction are three of the areas in which autistic children may show delayed or abnormal functioning. Gross motor development and growth below the 5th percentile for height and weight are not areas in which autistic children may show delayed or abnormal functioning.

Prevention of hearing impairment in children is a major goal for the nurse. This can be achieved through: a. Being involved in immunization clinics for children. b. Assessing a newborn for hearing loss. c. Answering parents' questions about hearing aids. d. Participating in hearing screening in the community.

A Childhood immunizations can eliminate the possibility of acquired sensorineural hearing loss from rubella, mumps, or measles encephalitis. Assessing a newborn for hearing loss, answering parents' questions about hearing aids, and participating in community hearing screenings are screening interventions to identify the presence of hearing loss, not prevention.

A child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The nurse should plan which priority intervention when caring for the child? a. Maintain a structured routine and keep stimulation to a minimum. b. Place the child in a room with a roommate of the same age. c. Maintain frequent touch and eye contact with the child. d. Take the child frequently to the playroom to play with other children.

A Providing a structured routine for the child to follow is key in the management of ASD. Decreasing stimulation by using a private room, avoiding extraneous auditory and visual distractions, and encouraging the parents to bring in possessions the child is attached to may lessen the disruptiveness of hospitalization. Because physical contact often upsets these children, minimum holding and eye contact may be necessary to avoid behavioral outbursts. Children with ASD need to be introduced slowly to new situations, with visits with staff caregivers kept short whenever possible. The playroom would be too overwhelming with new people and situations and should not be a priority of care.

The major consideration when selecting toys for a child who is cognitively impaired is: a. Safety. c. Ability to provide exercise. b. Age appropriateness. d. Ability to teach useful skills.

A Safety is the primary concern in selecting recreational and exercise activities for all children. This is especially true for children who are cognitively impaired. Age appropriateness, the ability to provide exercise, and the ability to teach useful skills are all factors to consider in the selection of toys, but safety is of paramount importance.

Parents have learned that their 6-year-old child has autism. The nurse may help the parents to cope by explaining that the child may: a. Have an extremely developed skill in a particular area. b. Outgrow the condition by early adulthood. c. Have average social skills. d. Have age-appropriate language skills.

A Some children with autism have an extremely developed skill in a particular area, such as mathematics or music. No evidence supports that autism is outgrown. Autistic children have abnormal ways of relating to people (social skills). Speech and language skills are usually delayed in autistic children.

Which action best facilitates lipreading by the hearing-impaired child? a. Speaking at an even rate b. Exaggerating pronunciation of words c. Avoiding using facial expressions d. Repeating in exactly the same way if child does not understand

A The child should be helped to learn and understand how to read lips by speaking at an even rate. Exaggerating word pronunciation, avoiding facial expressions, and repeating words are characteristics of communication that would interfere with the child's comprehension of the spoken word.

When should children with cognitive impairment be referred for stimulation and educational programs? a. As young as possible b. As soon as they have the ability to communicate in some way c. At age 3 years, when schools are required to provide services d. At age 5 or 6 years, when schools are required to provide services

A The child's education should begin as soon as possible. Considerable evidence exists that early intervention programs for children with disabilities are valuable for cognitively impaired children. The early intervention may facilitate the child's development of communication skills. States are encouraged to provide early intervention programs from birth under Public Law 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

The nurse is caring for a child who has just died. The parents ask to be left alone so that they can rock their child one more time. The nurse should: a. Grant their request. b. Assess why they feel that this is necessary. c. Discourage this because it will only prolong their grief. d. Kindly explain that they need to say good-bye to their child now and leave.

A The parents should be allowed to remain with their child after the death. The nurse can remove all of the tubes and equipment and offer the parents the option of preparing the body. This is an important part of the grieving process and should be allowed if the parents desire it. It is important for the nurse to ascertain if the family has any special needs.

What is most descriptive of a school-age child's reaction to death? a. Is very interested in funerals and burials b. Has little understanding of words such as forever c. Imagines the deceased person to be still alive d. Has an idealistic view of the world and criticizes funerals as barbaric

A The school-age child is very interested in postdeath services and may be inquisitive about what happens to the body. School-age children have an established concept of forever and have a deeper understanding of death in a concrete manner. Toddler may imagine the deceased person to still be alive. Adolescents may respond to death with an idealistic view of the world and criticize funerals as barbaric.

A nurse is instructing a nursing assistant on techniques to facilitate lipreading with a hearing-impaired child who lip-reads. Which techniques should the nurse include (select all that apply)? a. Speak at eye level. b. Stand at a distance from the child. c. Speak words in a loud tone. d. Use facial expressions while speaking. e. Keep sentences short.

A, D, E To facilitate lipreading for a hearing-impaired child who can lip-read, the speaker should be at eye level, facing the child directly or at a 45-degree angle. Facial expressions should be used to assist in conveying messages, and the sentences should be kept short. The speaker should stand close to the child, not at a distance. Using a loud tone while speaking will not facilitate lipreading.

The most common clinical manifestation of retinoblastoma is: a. Glaucoma. c. White eye reflex. b. Amblyopia. d. Sunken eye socket.

C When examining the eye, the light will reflect off of the tumor, giving the eye a whitish appearance. This is called white eye reflex. A late sign of retinoblastoma is a red, painful eye with glaucoma. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is reduced visual acuity in one eye. The eye socket is not sunken with retinoblastoma.

At what age do most children have an adult concept of death as being inevitable, universal, and irreversible? a. 4 to 5 years c. 9 to 11 years b. 6 to 8 years d. 12 to 16 years

C By age 9 or 10 years, children have an adult concept of death. They realize that it is inevitable, universal, and irreversible. Preschoolers and young school-age children are too young to have an adult concept of death. Adolescents have a mature understanding of death.

Kelly, age 8 years, will soon be able to return to school after an injury that resulted in several severe, chronic disabilities. What is the most appropriate action by the school nurse? a. Recommending that Kelly's parents attend school at first to prevent teasing b. Preparing Kelly's classmates and teachers for changes they can expect c. Referring Kelly to a school where the children have chronic disabilities similar to hers d. Discussing with Kelly and her parents the fact that her classmates will not accept her as they did before

B Attendance at school is an important part of normalization for Kelly. The school nurse should prepare teachers and classmates about her condition, abilities, and special needs. A visit by the parents can be helpful, but unless the classmates are prepared for the changes, it alone will not prevent teasing. Kelly's school experience should be normalized as much as possible. Children need the opportunity to interact with healthy peers and engage in activities with groups or clubs composed of similarly affected persons. Children with special needs are encouraged to maintain and reestablish relationships with peers and participate according to their capabilities.

When a child with mild cognitive impairment reaches the end of adolescence, what characteristic would be expected? a. Achieves a mental age of 5 to 6 years b. Achieves a mental age of 8 to 12 years c. Is unable to progress in functional reading or arithmetic d. Acquires practical skills and useful reading and arithmetic to an eighth-grade level

B By the end of adolescence, the child with mild cognitive impairment can usually acquire social and vocational skills, may need occasional guidance and support when under unusual social or economic stress, and may be able to adjust to marriage but not childrearing. Achieving a mental age of 5 to 6 years is considered a level of skill development associated with severe cognitive impairment. Being unable to progress in functional reading or math would indicate a level of skill development associated with profound cognitive impairment. Acquiring practical skills and useful reading and math to an eighth-grade level represents a level of skill development associated with moderate cognitive impairment.

Mark, a 9-year-old with Down syndrome, is mainstreamed into a regular third-grade class for part of the school day. His mother asks the school nurse about programs such as Cub Scouts that he might join. The nurse's recommendation should be based on knowing that: a. Programs such as Cub Scouts are inappropriate for children who are cognitively impaired. b. Children with Down syndrome have the same need for socialization as other children. c. Children with Down syndrome socialize better with children who have similar disabilities. d. Parents of children with Down syndrome encourage programs such as scouting because they deny that their children have disabilities.

B Children of all ages need peer relationships. Children with Down syndrome should have peer experiences similar to those of other children, such as group outings, Cub Scouts, and Special Olympics, which can all help children with cognitive impairment to develop socialization skills. Although all children should have an opportunity to form a close relationship with someone of the same developmental level, it is appropriate for children with disabilities to develop relationships with children who do not have disabilities. The parents are acting as advocates for their child.

An implanted ear prosthesis for children with sensorineural hearing loss is a(n): a. Hearing aid. c. Auditory implant. b. Cochlear implant. d. Amplification device.

B Cochlear implants are surgically implanted, and they provide a sensation of hearing for individuals who have severe or profound hearing loss of sensorineural origin. Hearing aids are external devices for enhancing hearing. An auditory implant does not exist. An amplification device is an external device for enhancing hearing.

A parent asks the nurse why a developmental assessment is being conducted for a child during a routine well-child visit. The nurse answers based on the knowledge that routine developmental assessments during well-child visits are: a. Not necessary unless the parents request them. b. The best method for early detection of cognitive disorders. c. Frightening to parents and children and should be avoided. d. Valuable in measuring intelligence in children.

B Early detection of cognitive disorders can be facilitated through assessment of development at each well-child examination. Developmental assessment is a component of all well-child examinations; however, they are not intended to measure intelligence. Developmental assessments are not frightening when the parent and child are educated about the purpose of the assessment.

Which intervention will encourage a sense of autonomy in a toddler with disabilities? a. Avoiding separation from family during hospitalizations b. Encouraging independence in as many areas as possible c. Exposing child to pleasurable experiences as much as possible d. Helping parents learn special care needs of their child

B Encouraging the toddler to be independent encourages a sense of autonomy. The child can be given choices about feeding, dressing, and diversional activities, which will provide a sense of control. Avoiding separation from family during hospitalizations and helping parents learn special care needs of their child should be practiced as part of family-centered care. They do not particularly foster autonomy. Exposing the child to pleasurable experiences, especially sensory ones, is a supportive intervention. It does not particularly support autonomy.

Which intervention will encourage a sense of autonomy in a toddler with disabilities? a. Avoid separation from family during hospitalizations. b. Encourage independence in as many areas as possible. c. Expose child to pleasurable experiences as much as possible. d. Help parents learn special care needs of their child.

B Encouraging the toddler to be independent encourages a sense of autonomy. The child can be given choices about feeding, dressing, and diversional activities, which will provide a sense of control. Avoiding separation from family during hospitalizations, and helping parents learn special care needs of their child should be practiced as part of family-centered care. It does not necessarily foster autonomy. Exposing the child to pleasurable experiences, especially sensory ones, is a supportive intervention. It does not promote autonomy.

Lindsey, age 5 years, will be starting kindergarten next month. She has cerebral palsy, and it has been determined that she needs to be in a special education classroom. Her parents are tearful when telling the nurse about this and state that they did not realize that her disability was so severe. The best interpretation of this situation is that: a. This is a sign that parents are in denial. b. This is a normal anticipated time of parental stress. c. The parents need to learn more about cerebral palsy. d. The parents are used to having expectations that are too high.

B Parenting a child with a chronic illness can be very stressful for parents. There are anticipated times that parental stress increases. One of these identified times is when the child begins school. Nurses can help parents recognize and plan interventions to work through these stressful periods. The parents are not in denial; they are responding to the child's placement in school. The parents are not exhibiting signs of a knowledge deficit or expectations that are too high; this is their first interaction with the school system with this child.

The feeling of guilt that the child "caused" the disability or illness is especially critical in which child? a. Toddler c. School-age child b. Preschooler d. Adolescent

B Preschoolers are most likely to be affected by feelings of guilt that they caused the illness/disability or are being punished for wrongdoings. Toddlers are focused on establishing their autonomy. The illness will foster dependency. The school-age child will have limited opportunities for achievement and may not be able to understand limitations. Adolescents are faced with the task of incorporating their disabilities into their changing self-concept.

Distortion of sound and problems in discrimination are characteristic of which type of hearing loss? a. Conductive c. Mixed conductive-sensorineural b. Sensorineural d. Central auditory imperceptive

B Sensorineural hearing loss, also known as perceptive or nerve deafness, involves damage to the inner ear structures or the auditory nerve. It results in distortion of sounds and problems in discrimination. Conductive hearing loss involves mainly interference with loudness of sound. Mixed conductive-sensorineural hearing loss manifests as a combination of both sensorineural and conductive loss. The central auditory imperceptive category includes all hearing losses that do not demonstrate defects in the conduction or sensory structures.

Appropriate interventions to facilitate socialization of the cognitively impaired child include to: a. Provide age-appropriate toys and play activities. b. Provide peer experiences such as Special Olympics when older. c. Avoid exposure to strangers who may not understand cognitive development. d. Emphasize mastery of physical skills because they are delayed more often than verbal skills.

B The acquisition of social skills is a complex task. Children of all ages need peer relationships. Parents should enroll the child in preschool. When older, the child should have peer experiences similar to other children, such as group outings, Boy or Girl Scouts, and Special Olympics. Providing age-appropriate toys and play activities is important, but peer interactions will facilitate social development. Parents should expose the child to strangers so the child can practice social skills. Verbal skills are delayed more than physical skills.

The school nurse is caring for a child with a penetrating eye injury. Emergency treatment includes: a. Applying a regular eye patch. b. Applying a Fox shield to the affected eye and any type of patch to the other eye. c. Applying ice until the physician is seen. d. Irrigating the eye copiously with a sterile saline solution.

B The nurse's role in a penetrating eye injury is to prevent further injury to the eye. A Fox shield (if available) should be applied to the injured eye, and a regular eye patch to the other eye to prevent bilateral movement. Applying a regular eye patch or ice until the physician is seen, or irrigating the eye with a copious amount of sterile saline, may cause more damage to the eye.

A nurse is providing a parent information regarding autism. Which statement made by the parent indicates understanding of the teaching? a. "Autism is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation." b. "The onset of autism usually occurs before 3 years of age." c. "Children with autism have imitation and gesturing skills." d. "Autism can be treated effectively with medication."

B The onset of autism usually occurs before 3 years of age. Autism does not have periods of remission and exacerbation. Autistic children lack imitative skills. Medications are of limited use in children with autism.

Approach behaviors are coping mechanisms that result in a family's movement toward adjustment and resolution of the crisis of having a child with a chronic illness or disability. What is considered an approach behavior in parents? a. Are unable to adjust to a progression of the disease or condition b. Anticipate future problems and seek guidance and answers c. Look for new cures without a perspective toward possible benefit d. Fail to recognize seriousness of child's condition despite physical evidence

B The parents who anticipate future problems and seek guidance and answers are demonstrating approach behaviors. They are demonstrating positive actions in caring for their child. Avoidance behaviors include being unable to adjust to a progression of the disease or condition, looking for new cures without a perspective toward possible benefit, and failing to recognize the seriousness of the child's condition despite physical evidence. These behaviors would suggest that the parents are moving away from adjustment or adaptation in the crisis of a child with chronic illness or disability.

The nurse and a new nurse are caring for a child who will require palliative care. Which statement made by the new nurse would indicate a correct understanding of palliative care? a. "Palliative care serves to hasten death and make the process easier for the family." b. "Palliative care provides pain and symptom management for the child." c. "The goal of palliative care is to place the child in a hospice setting at the end of life." d. "The goal of palliative care is to act as the liaison between the family, child, and other health care professionals."

B The primary goal of palliative care is to provide pain and symptom management, not to hasten death or place the child in a hospice setting. Palliative care is provided by a multidisciplinary team whose goal it is to provide active total care for patients whose disease is no longer responding to curative treatment.

A parent whose child has been diagnosed with a cognitive deficit should be counseled that intellectual impairment: a. Is usually due to a genetic defect. b. May be caused by a variety of factors. c. Is rarely due to first-trimester events. d. Is usually caused by parental intellectual impairment.

B There are a multitude of causes for intellectual impairment. In most cases, a specific cause has not been identified. Only a small percentage of children with intellectual impairment are affected by a genetic defect. One third of children with intellectual impairment are affected by first-trimester events. Intellectual impairment can be transmitted to a child only if the parent has a genetic disorder.

A newborn assessment shows separated sagittal suture, oblique palpebral fissures, depressed nasal bridge, protruding tongue, and transverse palmar creases. These findings are most suggestive of: a. Microcephaly. c. Cerebral palsy. b. Down syndrome. d. Fragile X syndrome.

B These are characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The infant with microcephaly has a small head. Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis not usually made at birth. No characteristic physical signs are present. The infant with fragile X syndrome has increased head circumference; long, wide, and/or protruding ears; long, narrow face with prominent jaw; hypotonia; and high, arched palate.

Which interventions should the nurse plan when caring for a child with a visual impairment (select all that apply)? a. Touch the child upon entering the room before speaking. b. Keep items in the room in the same location. c. Describe the placement of the eating utensils on the meal tray. d. Use color examples to describe something to a child who has been blind since birth. e. Identify noises for the child.

B, C, E Keep all items in the room in the same location and order. Describing how many steps away something is or the placement of eating utensils on a tray are both useful tactics. Identify noises for the child because children who are visually impaired or blind often have difficulty establishing the source of a noise. Never touch the child without identifying yourself and explaining what you plan to do. When describing objects or the environment to a child who is blind or visually impaired, use familiar terms. If the child has been blind since birth, color has no meaning.

A nurse is caring for a child who is near death. Which physical signs indicate the child is approaching death (select all that apply)? a. Body feels warm b. Tactile sensation decreasing c. Speech becomes rapid d. Change in respiratory pattern e. Difficulty swallowing

B, D, E Physical signs of approaching death include tactile sensation beginning to decrease, a change in respiratory pattern, and difficulty swallowing. Even though there is a sensation of heat, the body feels cool, not warm, and speech becomes slurred, not rapid.

The nurse case manager is planning a care conference about a young child who has complex health care needs and will soon be discharged home. Whom should the nurse invite to the conference? a. Family and nursing staff b. Social worker, nursing staff, and primary care physician c. Family and key health professionals involved in child's care d. Primary care physician and key health professionals involved in child's care

C A multidisciplinary conference is necessary for coordination of care for children with complex health needs. The family and key health professionals who are involved in the child's care are included. The nursing staff can address the nursing care needs of the child with the family, but other involved disciplines must be included. The family must be included in the discharge conferences, which allow them to determine what education they will require and the resources needed at home. A member of the nursing staff must be included to review the nursing needs of the child.

The nurse is discussing sexuality with the parents of an adolescent girl with moderate cognitive impairment. Which should the nurse consider when dealing with this issue? a. Sterilization is recommended for any adolescent with cognitive impairment. b. Sexual drive and interest are limited in individuals with cognitive impairment. c. Individuals with cognitive impairment need a well-defined, concrete code of sexual conduct. d. Sexual intercourse rarely occurs unless the individual with cognitive impairment is sexually abused.

C Adolescents with moderate cognitive impairment may be easily persuaded and lack judgment. A well-defined, concrete code of conduct with specific instructions for handling certain situations should be laid out for the adolescent. Permanent contraception by sterilization presents moral and ethical issues and may have psychologic effects on the adolescent. It may be prohibited in some states. The adolescent needs to have practical sexual information regarding physical development and contraception. Cognitively impaired individuals may desire to marry and have families. The adolescent needs to be protected from individuals who may make intimate advances.

A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a 6-year-old child with mild cognitive impairment (CI) who sustained a minor burn. Which strategy should the nurse use to prepare the child for this procedure? a. Verbally explain what will be done. b. Have the child watch a video on dressing changes. c. Demonstrate a dressing change on a doll. d. Explain the importance of keeping the burn area clean.

C Children with CI have a marked deficit in their ability to discriminate between two or more stimuli because of difficulty in recognizing the relevance of specific cues. However, these children can learn to discriminate if the cues are presented in an exaggerated, concrete form and if all extraneous stimuli are eliminated. Therefore, demonstration is preferable to verbal explanation, and learning should be directed toward mastering a skill rather than understanding the scientific principles underlying a procedure. Watching a video would require the use of both visual and auditory stimulation and might produce overload in the child with mild CI. Explaining the importance of keeping the burn area clean would be too abstract for the child.

What should the nurse keep in mind when planning to communicate with a child who has autism? a. The child has normal verbal communication. b. The child is expected to use sign language. c. The child may exhibit monotone speech and echolalia. d. The child is not listening if she is not looking at the nurse.

C Children with autism have abnormalities in the production of speech, such as a monotone voice or echolalia, or inappropriate volume, pitch, rate, rhythm, or intonation. The child has impaired verbal communication and abnormalities in the production of speech. Some autistic children may use sign language, but it is not assumed. Children with autism often are reluctant to initiate direct eye contact.

When caring for a newborn with Down syndrome, the nurse should be aware that the most common congenital anomaly associated with Down syndrome is: a. Hypospadias. c. Congenital heart disease. b. Pyloric stenosis. d. Congenital hip dysplasia.

C Congenital heart malformations, primarily septal defects, are very common congenital anomalies in Down syndrome. Hypospadias, pyloric stenosis, and congenital hip dysplasia are not frequent congenital anomalies associated with Down syndrome.

The pediatric nurse understands that fragile X syndrome is: a. A chromosome defect affecting only females. b. A chromosome defect that follows the pattern of X-linked recessive disorders. c. The second most common genetic cause of cognitive impairment. d. The most common cause of noninherited cognitive impairment.

C Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of cognitive impairment and the second most common genetic cause of cognitive impairment after Down syndrome. Fragile X primarily affects males and follows the pattern of X-linked dominant disorders with reduced penetrance.

Which teaching guideline helps prevent eye injuries during sports and play activities? a. Restrict helmet use to those who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. b. Discourage the use of goggles with helmets. c. Wear eye protection when participating in high-risk sports such as paintball. d. Wear a face mask when playing any sport or playing roughly.

C High-risk sports such as paintball can cause penetrating eye injuries. Eye protection should be worn. All children who participate in sports should be protected by the appropriate headgear. Goggles and helmets can and should be used concurrently. A face mask does not prevent damage to the child's head.

A young child who has an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 45 would be described as: a. Within the lower limits of the range of normal intelligence. b. Mildly cognitively impaired but educable. c. Moderately cognitively impaired but trainable. d. Severely cognitively impaired and completely dependent on others for care.

C Moderately cognitively impaired IQs range from 35 to 55. The lower limit of normal intelligence is approximately 70 to 75. Individuals with IQs of 50 to 70 are considered mildly cognitively impaired but educable. An IQ of 20 to 40 results in severe cognitive impairment.

A 16-year-old boy with a chronic illness has recently become rebellious and is taking risks such as missing doses of his medication. The nurse should explain to his parents that: a. He needs more discipline. b. He needs more socialization with peers. c. This is part of normal adolescence. d. This is how he is asking for more parental control.

C Risk taking, rebelliousness, and lack of cooperation are normal parts of adolescence. If the parents increase the amount of discipline, he will most likely be more rebellious. Socialization with peers should be encouraged as a part of adolescence. It is a normal part of adolescence during which the young adult is establishing independence.

A school-age child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The parents want to protect their child from knowing the seriousness of the illness. The nurse should explain that: a. This will help the child cope effectively by denial. b. This attitude is helpful to give parents time to cope. c. Terminally ill children know when they are seriously ill. d. Terminally ill children usually choose not to discuss the seriousness of their illness.

C The child needs honest and accurate information about the illness, treatments, and prognosis. Children, even at a young age, realize that something is seriously wrong and that it involves them. The nurse should help parents understand the importance of honesty. The child will know that something is wrong because of the increased attention of health professionals. This would interfere with denial as a form of coping. Parents may need professional support and guidance from a nurse or social worker in this process. Children will usually tell others how much information they want about their condition.

Which action is contraindicated when a child with Down syndrome is hospitalized? a. Determine the child's vocabulary for specific body functions. b. Assess the child's hearing and visual capabilities. c. Encourage parents to leave the child alone for extended periods of time. d. Have meals served at the child's usual mealtimes.

C The child with Down syndrome needs routine schedules and consistency. Having familiar people present, especially parents, helps to decrease the child's anxiety. To communicate effectively with the child, it is important to know the child's particular vocabulary for specific body functions. Children with Down syndrome have a high incidence of hearing loss and vision problems and should have hearing and vision assessed whenever they are in a health care facility. Meals should be served at the usual mealtimes because routine schedules and consistency are important to children with Down syndrome.

Chris, age 9 years, has several physical disabilities. His father explains to the nurse that his son concentrates on what he can rather than cannot do and is as independent as possible. The nurse's best interpretation of this is: a. The father is experiencing denial. b. The father is expressing his own views. c. Chris is using an adaptive coping style. d. Chris is using a maladaptive coping style.

C The father is describing a well-adapted child who has learned to accept physical limitations. These children function well at home, at school, and with peers. They have an understanding of their disorder that allows them to accept their limitations, assume responsibility for care, and assist in treatment and rehabilitation. The father is not denying the child's limitations or expressing his own views. This is descriptive of an adaptive coping style.

A father calls the emergency department nurse saying that his daughter's eyes burn after getting some dishwasher detergent in them. The nurse recommends that the child be seen in the emergency department or by an ophthalmologist. What should the nurse recommend before the child is transported? a. Keep the eyes closed. b. Apply cold compresses. c. Irrigate eyes copiously with tap water for 20 minutes. d. Prepare a normal saline solution (salt and water) and irrigate eyes for 20 minutes.

C The first action is to flush the eyes with clean tap water. This will rinse the detergent from the eyes. Keeping the eyes closed and applying cold compresses may allow the detergent to do further harm to the eyes during transport. Normal saline is not necessary. The delay during preparation can allow the detergent to cause continued injury to the eyes.

An appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with a cognitive dysfunction who has a limited ability to anticipate danger is: a. Impaired Social Interaction. c. Risk for Injury. b. Deficient Knowledge. d. Ineffective Coping.

C The nurse needs to know that limited cognitive abilities to anticipate danger lead to risk for injury. Impaired social interaction is indeed a concern for the child with a cognitive disorder but does not address the limited ability to anticipate danger. Because of the child's cognitive deficit, knowledge will not be retained and will not decrease the risk for injury. Ineffective individual coping does not address the limited ability to anticipate danger.

The nurse is talking with a 10-year-old boy who wears bilateral hearing aids. The left hearing aid is making an annoying whistling sound that the child cannot hear. The most appropriate nursing action is to: a. Ignore the sound. b. Ask him to reverse the hearing aids in his ears. c. Suggest that he reinsert the hearing aid. d. Suggest that he raise the volume of the hearing aid.

C The whistling sound is acoustic feedback. The nurse should have the child remove the hearing aid and reinsert it, making sure that no hair is caught between the ear mold and the ear canal. Ignoring the sound and suggesting that he raise the volume of the hearing aid would be annoying to others. The hearing aids are molded specifically for each ear.

A nurse is preparing a teaching session for parents on prevention of childhood hearing loss. The nurse should include that the most common cause of hearing impairment in children is: a. Auditory nerve damage. c. Congenital rubella. b. Congenital ear defects. d. Chronic otitis media.

D Chronic otitis media is the most common cause of hearing impairment in children. It is essential that appropriate measures be instituted to treat existing infections and prevent recurrences. Auditory nerve damage, congenital ear defects, and congenital rubella are rarer causes of hearing impairment.

Nursing interventions to help the siblings of a child with a complex or chronic condition cope include: a. Explaining to the siblings that embarrassment is unhealthy. b. Encouraging the parents not to expect siblings to help them care for the child with special needs. c. Providing information to the siblings about the child's condition only as they request it. d. Suggesting to the parents ways of showing gratitude to the siblings who help care for the child with a disability or chronic condition.

D The presence of a child with special needs in a family will change the family dynamic. Siblings may be asked to take on additional responsibilities to help the parents to care for the child. The parents should show gratitude, such as an increase in allowance, special privileges, and verbal praise. Embarrassment may be associated with having a sibling with a chronic illness or disability. Parents must be able to respond in an appropriate manner without punishing the sibling. The parents may need assistance with the care of the child. Most siblings are positive about the extra responsibilities. The siblings need to be informed about the child's condition before a non-family member does so. The parents do not want the siblings to fantasize about what is wrong with the child.

Which term best describes a multidisciplinary approach to the management of a terminal illness that focuses on symptom control and support? a. Dying care c. Restorative care b. Curative care d. Palliative care

D This is one of the definitions of palliative care. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the highest possible quality of life for patients and their families.

The nurse is talking with the parent of a child newly diagnosed with a chronic illness. The parent is upset and tearful. The nurse asks, "With whom do you talk when something is worrying you?" This should be interpreted as: a. Inappropriate, because parent is so upset. b. A diversion of the present crisis to similar situations with which parent has dealt. c. An intervention to find someone to help parent. d. Part of assessing parent's available support system.

D This question will provide information about the marital relationship (does the parent speak to the spouse?), alternate support systems, and ability to communicate. These are very important data for the nurse to obtain and an appropriate part of an accurate assessment. By assessing these areas, the nurse can facilitate the identification and use of community resources as needed. The nurse is obtaining information to help support the parent through the diagnosis. The parent is not in need of additional parenting help at this time.