Peds Quiz 3 (Ch. 20, 25, 27)

A young child with leukemia has anorexia and severe stomatitis. The nurse should suggest that the parents try which intervention? a. Relax any eating pressures. b. Firmly insist that child eat normally. c. Begin gavage feedings to supplement diet. d. Serve foods that are either hot or cold.

A A multifaceted approach is necessary for children with severe stomatitis and anorexia. First, the parents should relax eating pressures. The nurse should suggest that the parents try soft, bland foods; normal saline or bicarbonate mouthwashes; and local anesthetics. The stomatitis is a temporary condition. The child can resume good food habits as soon as the condition resolves.

When liquid medication is given to a crying 10-month-old infant, which approach minimizes the possibility of aspiration? a. Administer the medication with a syringe (without needle) placed along the side of the infant's tongue. b. Administer the medication as rapidly as possible with the infant securely restrained. c. Mix the medication with the infant's regular formula or juice and administer by bottle. d. Keep the child upright with the nasal passages blocked for a minute after administration.

A Administer the medication with a syringe without needle placed along the side of the infant's tongue. The contents are administered slowly in small amounts, allowing the child to swallow between deposits. Medications should be given slowly to avoid aspiration. The medication should be mixed with only a small amount of food or liquid. If the child does not finish drinking or eating, it is difficult to determine how much medication was consumed. Essential foods also should not be used. Holding the child's nasal passages will increase the risk of aspiration.

A 2-year-old child comes to the emergency department with dehydration and hypovolemic shock. Which best explains why an intraosseous infusion is started? a. It is less painful for small children. b. Rapid venous access is not possible. c. Antibiotics must be started immediately. d. Long-term central venous access is not possible.

B In situations in which rapid establishment of systemic access is vital and venous access is hampered, such as peripheral circulatory collapse and hypovolemic shock, intraosseous infusion provides a rapid, safe, lifesaving alternative. The procedure is painful, and local anesthetics and systemic analgesics are given. Antibiotics could be given when vascular access is obtained. Long-term central venous access is time-consuming, and intraosseous infusion is used in an emergency situation.

The nurse is teaching nursing students about childhood fractures. Which describes a compound skull fracture? a. Involves the basilar portion of the occipital bone b. Bone is exposed through the skin c. Traumatic separations of the cranial sutures d. Bone is pushed inward, causing pressure on the brain

B A compound fracture has the bone exposed through the skin. A basilar fracture involves the basilar portion of the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, temporal, or occipital bone. Diastatic skull fractures are traumatic separations of the cranial sutures. A depressed fracture has the bone pushed inward, causing pressure on the brain.

Which statement best describes a subdural hematoma? a. Bleeding occurs between the dura and the skull. b. Bleeding occurs between the dura and the cerebrum. c. Bleeding is generally arterial, and brain compression occurs rapidly. d. The hematoma commonly occurs in the parietotemporal region.

B A subdural hematoma is bleeding that occurs between the dura and the cerebrum as a result of a rupture of cortical veins that bridge the subdural space. An epidural hemorrhage occurs between the dura and the skull, is usually arterial with rapid brain concussion, and occurs most often in the parietotemporal region.

A young boy will receive a bone marrow transplant (BMT). This is possible because one of his older siblings is a histocompatible donor. Which is this type of BMT called? a. Syngeneic b. Allogeneic c. Monoclonal d. Autologous

B Allogeneic transplants are from another individual. Because he and his sibling are histocompatible, the BMT can be done. Syngeneic marrow is from an identical twin. There is no such thing as a monoclonal BMT. Autologous refers to the individual's own marrow.

A 5-year-old boy is being prepared for surgery to remove a brain tumor. Nursing actions should be based on which statement? a. Removal of tumor will stop the various symptoms. b. Usually the postoperative dressing covers the entire scalp. c. He is not old enough to be concerned about his head being shaved. d. He is not old enough to understand the significance of the brain.

B The child should be told what he will look and feel like after surgery. This includes the size of the dressing. The nurse can demonstrate on a doll the expected size and shape of the dressing. Some of the symptoms may be alleviated by the removal of the tumor, but postsurgical headaches and cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia may be aggravated. Children should be prepared for the loss of their hair, and it should be removed in a sensitive, positive manner if the child is awake. Children at this age have poorly defined body boundaries and little knowledge of internal organs. Intrusive experiences are frightening, especially those that disrupt the integrity of the skin.

Which neurologic diagnostic test gives a visualized horizontal and vertical cross-section of the brain at any axis? a. Nuclear brain scan b. Echoencephalography c. CT scan d. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

C A CT scan provides a visualization of the horizontal and vertical cross-sections of the brain at any axis. A nuclear brain scan uses a radioisotope that accumulates where the blood-brain barrier is defective. Echoencephalography identifies shifts in midline structures of the brain as a result of intracranial lesions. MRI permits visualization of morphologic features of target structures and permits tissue discrimination that is unavailable with any other techniques.

The nurse is planning care for an 8-year-old child with a concussion. Which is descriptive of a concussion? a. Petechial hemorrhages cause amnesia. b. Visible bruising and tearing of cerebral tissue occur. c. It is a transient and reversible neuronal dysfunction. d. A slight lesion develops remotely from the site of trauma.

C A concussion is a transient, reversible neuronal dysfunction with instantaneous loss of awareness and responsiveness resulting from trauma to the head. Petechial hemorrhages along the superficial aspects of the brain along the point of impact are a type of contusion, but are not necessarily associated with amnesia. A contusion is visible bruising and tearing of cerebral tissue. Contrecoup is a lesion that develops remote from the site of trauma as a result of an acceleration-deceleration injury.

It is important to make certain that sensory connectors and oximeters are compatible. What can incompatible wiring cause? a. Hyperthermia b. Electrocution c. Pressure necrosis d. Burns under sensors

D It is important to make certain that sensor connectors and oximeters are compatible. Wiring that is incompatible can generate considerable heat at the tip of the sensor, causing second- and third-degree burns under the sensor. Incompatibility would cause a local irritation or burn. A low voltage is used, which should not present risk of electrocution. Pressure necrosis can occur from the sensor being attached too tightly, but this is not a problem of incompatibility.

The nurse is preparing a child for possible alopecia from chemotherapy. Which should be included? a. Explain to child that hair usually regrows in 1 year. b. Advise child to expose head to sunlight to minimize alopecia. c. Explain to child that wearing a hat or scarf is preferable to wearing a wig. d. Explain to child that when hair regrows, it may have a slightly different color or texture.

D Alopecia is a side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents. When the hair regrows, it may be a different color or texture. The hair usually grows back within 3 to 6 months after cessation of treatment. The head should be protected from sunlight to avoid sunburn. Children should choose the head covering they prefer.

Which is a common clinical manifestation of Hodgkin disease? a. Petechiae b. Bone and joint pain c. Painful, enlarged lymph nodes d. Enlarged, firm, nontender lymph nodes

D Asymptomatic, enlarged, cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation of Hodgkin disease. Petechiae are usually associated with leukemia. Bone and joint pain are not likely in Hodgkin disease. The enlarged nodes are rarely painful.

The nurse must do a heel stick on an ill neonate to obtain a blood sample. What action is recommended to facilitate blood flow? a. Apply cool, moist compresses. b. Apply a tourniquet to the ankle. c. Elevate the foot for 5 minutes. d. Wrap the foot in a warm washcloth.

D Before the blood sample is taken, the heel is heated with warm moist compresses for 5 to 10 minutes to dilate the blood vessels in the area. Cooling causes vasoconstriction, making blood collection more difficult. A tourniquet is used to constrict superficial veins. It will have an insignificant effect on capillaries. Elevating the foot will decrease the blood in the foot available for collection.

Which is the most effective pain-management approach for a child who is having a bone marrow aspiration? a. Relaxation techniques b. Administration of an opioid c. EMLA cream applied over site d. Conscious or unconscious sedation

D Effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures should be used to minimize pain associated with procedures. For bone marrow aspiration, conscious or unconscious sedation should be used. Relaxation, opioids, and EMLA can be used to augment the conscious or unconscious sedation.

The nurse is doing a pre-hospitalization orientation for a 7-year-old child who is scheduled for cardiac surgery. As part of the preparation, the nurse explains that she will not be able to talk because of an endotracheal tube but that she will be able to talk when it is removed. This explanation is: a. unnecessary. b. the surgeon's responsibility. c. too stressful for a young child. d. an appropriate part of the child's preparation.

D Explanation is a necessary part of preoperative preparation. If the child wakes and is not prepared for the inability to speak, she will be even more anxious. This is a necessary component for preparation for surgery that will help reduce the anxiety associated with surgery. It is a joint responsibility of nursing, medical staff, and child life personnel.

An 8-month-old infant is restrained to prevent interference with the IV infusion. How should the nurse appropriately care for this child? a. Remove the restraints once a day to allow movement. b. Keep the restraints on constantly. c. Keep the restraints secure so the infant remains supine. d. Remove restraints whenever possible.

D The nurse should remove the restraints whenever possible. When parents or staff are present, the restraints can be removed and the IV site protected. Restraints must be checked and documented every 1 to 2 hours. They should be removed for range of motion on a periodic basis. The child should not be securely restrained in the supine position because of risks of aspiration.

What should the nurse do when caring for a child with an intravenous infusion? a. Use a macrodropper to facilitate reaching the prescribed flow rate. b. Avoid restraining the child to prevent undue emotional stress. c. Change the insertion site every 24 hours. d. Observe the insertion site frequently for signs of infiltration.

D The nursing responsibility for IV therapy is to calculate the amount to be infused in a given length of time; set the infusion rate; and monitor the apparatus frequently (at least every 1 to 2 hours) to make certain that the desired rate is maintained, the integrity of the system remains intact, the site remains intact (free of redness, edema, infiltration, or irritation), and the infusion does not stop. A minidropper (60 drops/ml) is the recommended IV tubing in pediatrics. The IV site should be protected. This may require soft restraints on the child. Insertion sites do not need to be changed every 24 hours unless a problem is found with the site. This exposes the child to significant trauma.

Which is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants? a. Deltoid b. Dorsogluteal c. Rectus femoris d. Vastus lateralis

D The preferred site for infants is the vastus lateralis. The deltoid and dorsogluteal sites are used for older children and adults. The rectus femoris is not a recommended site.

Which immunization should not be given to a child receiving chemotherapy for cancer? a. Tetanus vaccine b. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine c. Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) d. Measles, rubella, mumps

D The vaccine used for measles, mumps, and rubella is a live virus and can result in an overwhelming infection. Tetanus vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) are not live virus vaccines.

A child is unconscious after a motor vehicle accident. The watery discharge from the nose tests positive for glucose. What does this finding suggest? a. Diabetic coma b. Brainstem injury c. Upper respiratory tract infection d. Leaking of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

D Watery discharge from the nose that is positive for glucose suggests leaking of CSF from a skull fracture and is not associated with diabetes or respiratory tract infection. The fluid is probably CSF from a skull fracture and does not signify whether the brainstem is involved.

Which of the following types of seizures may be difficult to detect? a. Absence b. Generalized c. Simple partial d. Complex partial

A Absence seizures may go unrecognized because little change occurs in the child's behavior during the seizure. Generalized, simple partial, and complex partial seizures all have clinical manifestations that are observable.

When caring for the child with Reye syndrome, what is the priority nursing intervention? a. Monitor intake and output b. Prevent skin breakdown c. Observe for petechiae d. Do range-of-motion exercises

A Accurate and frequent monitoring of intake and output is essential for adjusting fluid volumes to prevent both dehydration and cerebral edema. Preventing skin breakdown, observing for petechiae, and doing range-of-motion exercises are important interventions in the care of a critically ill or comatose child. Careful monitoring of intake and output is a priority.

The nurse gives an injection in a patient's room. The nurse should perform which intervention with the needle for disposal? a. Dispose of syringe and needle in a rigid, puncture-resistant container in the patient's room. b. Dispose of syringe and needle in a rigid, puncture-resistant container in an area outside of the patient's room. c. Cap needle immediately after giving injection and dispose of in a proper container. d. Cap needle, break from syringe, and dispose of in a proper container.

A All needles (uncapped and unbroken) are disposed of in a rigid, puncture-resistant container located near the site of use. Consequently, these containers should be installed in the patient's room. The uncapped needle should not be transported to an area distant from use. Needles are disposed of uncapped and unbroken.

The nurse is caring for an adolescent with osteosarcoma being admitted to undergo chemotherapy. The adolescent had a right above-the-knee amputation 2 months ago and has been experiencing "phantom limb pain." Which prescribed medication is appropriate to administer to relieve phantom limb pain? a. Amitriptyline (Elavil) b. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) c. Oxycodone (OxyContin) d. Alprazolam (Xanax)

A Amitriptyline (Elavil) has been used successfully to decrease phantom limb pain. Opioids such as Vicodin or OxyContin would not be prescribed for this pain. A benzodiazepine, Xanax, would not be prescribed for this type of pain.

A 2-year-old child is being admitted to the hospital for possible bacterial meningitis. When preparing for a lumbar puncture, what is the nurse's best action? a. Prepare child for conscious sedation during the test. b. Set up a tray with equipment the same size as for adults. c. Reassure the parents that the test is simple, painless, and risk free. d. Apply EMLA to the puncture site 15 minutes before the procedure.

A Because of the urgency of the child's condition, conscious sedation should be used for the procedure. Pediatric spinal trays have smaller needles than do adult trays. Reassuring the parents that the test is simple, painless, and risk free is incorrect information. A spinal tap does have associated risks, and analgesia will be given for the pain. EMLA (a eutectic mixture of anesthetics) should be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure. The emergency nature of the spinal tap precludes its use.

Which clinical manifestations would suggest hydrocephalus in a neonate? a. Bulging fontanel and dilated scalp veins b. Closed fontanel and high-pitched cry c. Constant low-pitched cry and restlessness d. Depressed fontanel and decreased blood pressure

A Bulging fontanels, dilated scalp veins, and separated sutures are clinical manifestations of hydrocephalus in neonates. Closed fontanel and high-pitched cry, constant low-pitched cry and restlessness, and depressed fontanel and decreased blood pressure are not clinical manifestations of hydrocephalus, but all should be referred for evaluation.

Which drug should the nurse expect to administer to a preschool child who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP) resulting from cerebral edema? a. Mannitol (Osmitrol) b. Epinephrine hydrochloride (Adrenalin) c. Atropine sulfate (Atropine) d. Sodium bicarbonate (Sodium bicarbonate)

A For increased ICP, mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, administered intravenously, is the drug used most frequently for rapid reduction. Epinephrine hydrochloride, atropine sulfate, and sodium bicarbonate are not used to decrease ICP.

The nurse is teaching a mother how to perform chest physical therapy and postural drainage on her 3-year-old child, who has cystic fibrosis. How should the nurse instruct the mother? a. Cover the skin with a shirt or gown before percussing. b. Strike the chest wall with a flat-hand position. c. Percuss over the entire trunk anteriorly and posteriorly. d. Percuss before positioning for postural drainage.

A For postural drainage and percussion, the child should be dressed in a light shirt to protect the skin and placed in the appropriate postural drainage positions. The chest wall is struck with a cupped-hand, not a flat-hand position. The procedure should be done over the rib cage only. Positioning precedes the percussion.

An adolescent with osteosarcoma is scheduled for a leg amputation in 2 days. The nurse's approach should include which action? a. Answering questions with straightforward honesty b. Avoiding discussing the seriousness of the condition c. Explaining that, although the amputation is difficult, it will cure the cancer d. Assisting the adolescent in accepting the amputation as better than a long course of chemotherapy

A Honesty is essential to gain the child's cooperation and trust. The diagnosis of cancer should not be disguised with falsehoods. The adolescent should be prepared for the surgery so he or she has time to reflect on the diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This allows questions to be answered. To accept the need for radical surgery, the child must be aware of the lack of alternatives for treatment. Amputation is necessary, but it will not guarantee a cure. Chemotherapy is an integral part of the therapy with surgery. The child should be informed of the need for chemotherapy and its side effects before surgery.

The nurse is administering an IV chemotherapeutic agent to a child with leukemia. The child suddenly begins to wheeze and have severe urticaria. Which is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Stop drug infusion immediately. b. Recheck rate of drug infusion. c. Observe child closely for next 10 minutes. d. Explain to child that this is an expected side effect.

A If an allergic reaction is suspected, the drug should be immediately discontinued. Any drug in the line should be withdrawn, and a normal saline infusion begun to keep the line open. Rechecking the rate of drug infusion, observing the child closely for next 10 minutes, and explaining to the child that this is an expected side effect can all be done after the drug infusion is stopped and the child is evaluated.

Katie, 4 years old, is admitted to outpatient surgery for removal of a cyst on her foot. Her mother puts the hospital gown on her, but Katie is crying because she wants to leave on her underpants. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Allow her to wear her underpants b. Discuss with her mother why this is important to Katie c. Ask her mother to explain to her why she cannot wear them d. Explain in a kind, matter-of-fact manner that this is hospital policy

A It is appropriate for the child to leave her underpants on. This allows her some measure of control in this procedure, foot surgery. Further discussions may make the child more upset. Katie is too young to understand what hospital policy means.

A 6-year-old child is hospitalized for intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. He eats little on his "regular diet" trays. He tells the nurse that all he wants to eat is pizza, tacos, and ice cream. Which is the best nursing action? a. Request these favorite foods for him. b. Identify healthier food choices that he likes. c. Explain that he needs fruits and vegetables. d. Reward him with ice cream at the end of every meal that he eats.

A Loss of appetite is a symptom common to most childhood illnesses. To encourage adequate nutrition, favorite foods should be requested for the child. These foods provide nutrition and can be supplemented with additional fruits and vegetables. Ice cream and other desserts should not be used as rewards or punishment.

A 3-year-old child has a fever associated with a viral illness. Her mother calls the nurse, reporting a fever of 102° F even though she had acetaminophen 2 hours ago. The nurse's action should be based on which statement? a. Fevers such as this are common with viral illnesses. b. Seizures are common in children when antipyretics are ineffective. c. Fever over 102° F indicates greater severity of illness. d. Fever over 102° F indicates a probable bacterial infection.

A Most fevers are of brief duration, with limited consequences, and are viral. Little evidence supports the use of antipyretic drugs to prevent febrile seizures. Neither the increase in temperature nor its response to antipyretics indicates the severity or etiology of infection.

The nurse is teaching nursing students about childhood nervous system tumors. Which best describes a neuroblastoma? a. Diagnosis is usually made after metastasis occurs. b. Early diagnosis is usually possible because of the obvious clinical manifestations. c. It is the most common brain tumor in young children. d. It is the most common benign tumor in young children.

A Neuroblastoma is a silent tumor with few symptoms. In more than 70% of cases, diagnosis is made after metastasis occurs, with the first signs caused by involvement in the nonprimary site. In only 30% of cases is diagnosis made before metastasis. Neuroblastomas are the most common malignant extracranial solid tumors in children. The majority of tumors develop in the adrenal glands or the retroperitoneal sympathetic chain. They are not benign but metastasize.

A nurse is conducting a staff in-service on childhood cancers. Which is the primary site of osteosarcoma? a. Femur b. Humerus c. Pelvis d. Tibia

A Osteosarcoma is the most frequently encountered malignant bone cancer in children. The peak incidence is between ages 10 and 25 years. More than half occur in the femur. After the femur, most of the remaining sites are the humerus, tibia, pelvis, jaw, and phalanges.

Which is the priority nursing intervention for an unconscious child after a fall? a. Establish adequate airway. b. Perform neurologic assessment. c. Monitor intracranial pressure. d. Determine whether a neck injury is present.

A Respiratory effectiveness is the primary concern in the care of the unconscious child. Establishment of an adequate airway is always the first priority. A neurologic assessment and determination of whether a neck injury is present will be performed after breathing and circulation are stabilized. Intracranial, not intercranial, pressure is monitored if indicated after airway, breathing, and circulation are maintained.

An adolescent boy is brought to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident. His respirations are deep, periodic, and gasping. There are extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. Pupils are dilated and fixed. The nurse should suspect which type of head injury? a. Brainstem b. Skull fracture c. Subdural hemorrhage d. Epidural hemorrhage

A Signs of brainstem injury include deep, rapid, periodic or intermittent, and gasping respirations. Wide fluctuations or noticeable slowing of the pulse, widening pulse pressure, or extreme fluctuations in blood pressure are consistent with a brainstem injury. Skull fracture, subdural hemorrhage, and epidural hemorrhage are not consistent with brainstem injuries.

A 10-year-old child, without a history of previous seizures, experiences a tonic-clonic seizure at school. Breathing is not impaired, but some postictal confusion occurs. What is the most appropriate initial action by the school nurse? a. Stay with child and have someone call emergency medical service (EMS) b. Notify parent and regular practitioner c. Notify parent that child should go home d. Stay with child, offering calm reassurance

A The EMS should be called to transport the child because this is the child's first seizure. Because this is the first seizure, evaluation should be performed as soon as possible. The nurse should stay with the child while someone else notifies the EMS

A toddler fell out of a second-story window. She had a brief loss of consciousness and vomited four times. Since admission, she has been alert and oriented. Her mother asks why a computed tomography (CT) scan is required when she "seems fine." Which explanation should the nurse give? a. Your child may have a brain injury and the CT can rule one out. b. The CT needs to be done because of your child's age. c. Your child may start to have seizures and a baseline CT should be done. d. Your child probably has a skull fracture and the CT can confirm this diagnosis.

A The child's history of the fall, brief loss of consciousness, and vomiting four times necessitates evaluation of a potential brain injury. The severity of a head injury may not be apparent on clinical examination but will be detectable on a CT scan. The need for the CT scan is related to the injury and symptoms, not the child's age. The CT scan is necessary to determine whether a brain injury has occurred.

The nurse is admitting a child with a Wilms tumor. Which is the initial assessment finding associated with this tumor? a. Abdominal swelling b. Weight gain c. Hypotension d. Increased urinary output

A The initial assessment finding with a Wilms (kidney) tumor is abdominal swelling. Weight loss, not weight gain, may be a finding. Hypertension occasionally occurs with a Wilms tumor. Urinary output is not increased, but hematuria may be noted.

When teaching a mother how to administer eye drops, where should the nurse tell her to place them? a. In the conjunctival sac that is formed when the lower lid is pulled down b. Carefully under the eye lid while it is gently pulled upward c. On the sclera while the child looks to the side d. Anywhere as long as drops contact the eye's surface

A The lower lid is pulled down, forming a small conjunctival sac. The solution or ointment is applied to this area. The medication should not be administered directly on the eyeball.

The nurse is taking care of a child who is alert but showing signs of increased intracranial pressure. Which test is contraindicated in this case? a. Oculovestibular response b. Doll's head maneuver c. Funduscopic examination for papilledema d. Assessment of pyramidal tract lesions

A The oculovestibular response (caloric test) involves the instillation of ice water into the ear of a comatose child. The caloric test is painful and is never performed on a child who is awake or one who has a ruptured tympanic membrane. Doll's head maneuver, funduscopic examination for papilledema, and assessment of pyramidal tract lesions can be performed on children who are awake.

The nurse is taking care of an adolescent with osteosarcoma. The parents ask the nurse about treatment. The nurse should make which accurate response about treatment for osteosarcoma? a. Treatment usually consists of surgery and chemotherapy. b. Amputation of the affected extremity is rarely necessary. c. Intensive irradiation is the primary treatment. d. Bone marrow transplantation offers the best chance of long-term survival.

A The optimal therapy for osteosarcoma is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Intensive irradiation and bone marrow transplantation are usually not part of the therapeutic management.

The nurse is preparing a 12-year-old girl for a bone marrow aspiration. The girl tells the nurse she wants her mother with her "like before." What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Grant her request b. Explain why this is not possible c. Identify an appropriate substitute for her mother d. Offer to provide support to her during the procedure

A The parent's preferences for assisting, observing, or waiting outside the room should be assessed, along with the child's preference for parental presence. The child's choice should be respected. If the mother and child are agreeable, then the mother is welcome to stay. An appropriate substitute for the mother is necessary only if the mother does not wish to stay. Support is offered to the child regardless of parental presence.

What is an important nursing intervention when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure? a. Describe and record the seizure activity observed. b. Restrain the child when seizure occurs to prevent bodily harm. c. Place a tongue blade between the teeth if they become clenched. d. Suction the child during a seizure to prevent aspiration.

A When a child is having a seizure, the priority nursing care is observation of the child and seizure. The nurse then describes and records the seizure activity. The child should not be restrained, and nothing should be placed in the child's mouth. This may cause injury. To prevent aspiration, if possible, the child should be placed on the side, facilitating drainage.

The nurse wore gloves during a dressing change. What should the nurse do after the gloves are removed? a. Wash hands thoroughly b. Check the gloves for leaks c. Rinse gloves in disinfectant solution d.Apply new gloves before touching the next patient

A When gloves are worn, the hands are washed thoroughly after removing the gloves because both latex and vinyl gloves fail to provide complete protection. Gloves should be disposed of after use. Hands should be thoroughly washed before new gloves are applied.

A nurse is caring for a child in droplet precautions. Which instructions should the nurse give to the unlicensed assistive personnel caring for this child? (Select all that apply.) a. Wear gloves when entering the room. b. Wear an isolation gown when entering the room. c. Place the child in a special air handling and ventilation room. d. A mask should be worn only when holding the child. e. Wash your hands upon exiting the room.

A, B, E Droplet transmission involves contact of the conjunctivae or the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of a susceptible person with large-particle droplets (>5 mm) containing microorganisms generated from a person who has a clinical disease or who is a carrier of the microorganism. Droplets are generated from the source person primarily during coughing, sneezing, or talking and during procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Gloves, gowns, and a mask should be worn when entering the room. Hand washing when exiting the room should be done with any patient. Because droplets do not remain suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation are not required to prevent droplet transmission.

The advantages of the ventrogluteal muscle as an injection site in young children include which considerations? (Select all that apply.) a. Less painful than vastus lateralis b. Free of important nerves and vascular structures c. Cannot be used when child reaches a weight of 20 pounds d. Increased subcutaneous fat, which increases drug absorption e. Easily identified by major landmarks

A, B, E The advantages of the ventrogluteal are being less painful, free of important nerves and vascular lateralis, and easily identified by major landmarks. The major disadvantage is lack of familiarity by health professionals and controversy over whether the site can be used before weight bearing. The use of the ventrogluteal has not been clarified. It has been used in infants, but clinical guidelines address the need for the child to be walking, thus generally being over 20 pounds. The site has less subcutaneous tissue, which facilitates intramuscular (rather than subcutaneous) deposition of the drug.

A school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse. The child's level of consciousness is variable. The parents tell the nurse that they think their child is in pain because of periodic crying and restlessness. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Discuss with parents the child's previous experiences with pain b. Discuss with practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered c. Explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury d. Explain that analgesia is unnecessary when child is not fully awake and alert

B A key nursing role is to provide sedation and analgesia for the child. Consultation with the appropriate practitioner is necessary to avoid conflict between the necessity to monitor the child's neurologic status and the promotion of comfort and relief of anxiety. Information on the child's previous experiences with pain should be obtained as part of the assessment, but because of the severity of injury, analgesia should be provided as soon as possible. Analgesia can be safely used in individuals who have sustained head injuries and can decrease anxiety and resultant increased ICP.

The nurse has just collected blood by venipuncture in the antecubital fossa. Which should the nurse do next? a. Keep the arm extended while applying a bandage to the site. b. Keep the arm extended, and apply pressure to the site for a few minutes. c. Apply a bandage to the site, and keep the arm flexed for 10 minutes. d. Apply a gauze pad or cotton ball to the site, and keep the arm flexed for several minutes.

B Applying pressure to the site of venipuncture stops the bleeding and aids in coagulation. Pressure should be applied before bandage is applied.

The nurse is preparing a school-age child for computed tomography (CT scan) to assess cerebral function. The nurse should include which statement in preparing the child? a. "Pain medication will be given." b. "The scan will not hurt." c. "You will be able to move once the equipment is in place." d. "Unfortunately, no one can remain in the room with you during the test."

B For CT scans, the child must be immobilized. It is important to emphasize to the child that at no time is the procedure painful. Pain medication is not required; however, sedation is sometimes necessary. Someone is able to remain with the child during the procedure.

In which position should the nurse place a 10-year-old child after a large tumor was removed through a supratentorial craniotomy? a. On the inoperative side with the bed flat b. On the inoperative side with the head of bed elevated 20 to 30 degrees c. On the operative side with the bed flat and pillows behind the head d. On the operative side with the head of bed elevated 45 degrees

B If a large tumor was removed, the child is not placed on the operative side because the brain may suddenly shift to that cavity, causing trauma to the blood vessels, linings, and the brain itself. The child with an infratentorial procedure is usually positioned on either side with the bed flat. When a supratentorial craniotomy is performed, the head of bed is elevated 20 to 30 degrees with the child on either side or on the back. In a supratentorial craniotomy, the head elevation facilitates CSF drainage and decreases excessive blood flow to the brain to prevent hemorrhage. Pillows should be placed against the child's back, not head, to maintain the desired position.

The nurse is planning to prepare a 4-year-old child for some diagnostic procedures. Guidelines for preparing this preschooler should include which action? a. Plan for a short teaching session of about 30 minutes. b. Tell the child that procedures are never a form of punishment. c. Keep equipment out of the child's view. d. Use correct scientific and medical terminology in explanations.

B Illness and hospitalization may be viewed as punishment in preschoolers. Always state directly that procedures are never a form of punishment. Teaching sessions for this age group should be 10 to 15 minutes in length. Demonstrate the use of equipment, and allow the child to play with miniature or actual equipment. Explain procedure in simple terms and how it affects the child.

In preparing to give "enemas until clear" to a young child, the nurse should select which solution? a. Tap water b. Normal saline c. Oil retention d. Fleet solution

B Isotonic solutions should be used in children. Saline is the solution of choice. Plain water is not used. This is a hypotonic solution and can cause rapid fluid shift, resulting in fluid overload. Oil-retention enemas will not achieve the "until clear" result. Fleet enemas are not advised for children because of the harsh action of the ingredients. The osmotic effects of the Fleet enema can result in diarrhea, which can lead to metabolic acidosis.

The home care nurse has been visiting an adolescent with recently acquired tetraplegia. The teen's mother tells the nurse, "I'm sick of providing all the care while my husband does whatever he wants to, whenever he wants to do it." Which should be the initial action of the nurse? a. Refer mother for counseling. b. Listen and reflect mother's feelings. c. Ask father, in private, why he does not help. d. Suggest ways the mother can get her husband to help.

B It is appropriate for the nurse to reflect with the mother about her feelings, exploring issues such as an additional home health aide to help care for the child and provide respite for the mother. It is inappropriate for the nurse to agree with the mother that her husband is not helping enough. It is a judgment beyond the role of the nurse and can undermine the family relationship. Counseling is not necessary at this time. A support group for caregivers may be indicated. Asking the father why he does not help and suggesting ways to the mother to get her husband to help are interventions based on the mother's assumption of minimal contribution to the child's care. The father may have a full-time job and other commitments. The parents need to have an involved third person help them through the negotiation of responsibilities for the loss of their normal child and new parenting responsibilities.

Which is often administered to prevent or control hemorrhage in a child with cancer? a. Nitrosoureas b. Platelets c. Whole blood d. Corticosteroids

B Most bleeding episodes can be prevented or controlled with the administration of platelet concentrate or platelet-rich plasma. Nitrosoureas, whole blood, and corticosteroids would not prevent or control hemorrhage.

When taking the history of a child hospitalized with Reye syndrome, the nurse should not be surprised that a week ago the child had recovered from: a. measles. b. varicella. c. meningitis. d. hepatitis.

B Most cases of Reye syndrome follow a common viral illness such as varicella or influenza. Measles, meningitis, and hepatitis are not associated with Reye syndrome.

Using knowledge of child development, which is the best approach when preparing a toddler for a procedure? a. Avoid asking the child to make choices. b. Demonstrate the procedure on a doll. c. Plan for the teaching session to last about 20 minutes. d. Show necessary equipment without allowing the child to handle it.

B Prepare toddlers for procedures by using play. Demonstrate on a doll, but avoid the child's favorite doll because the toddler may think the doll is really "feeling" the procedure. In preparing a toddler for a procedure, allow the child to participate in care and help whenever possible. Teaching sessions for toddlers should be about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a small replica of the equipment, and allow the child to handle it.

One of the supervisors for a home health agency asks the nurse to give the family a survey evaluating the nurses and other service providers. The nurse should recognize this as: a. inappropriate, unless nurses are able to evaluate family. b. appropriate to improve quality of care. c. inappropriate, unless nurses and other providers agree to participate. d. inappropriate, because family lacks knowledge necessary to evaluate professionals.

B Quality assessment and improvement activities are essential for virtually all organizations. Family involvement is essential in evaluating a home care plan and can occur on several levels. The nurse can ask the family open-ended questions at regular intervals to assess their opinion of the effectiveness of care. Families should also be given an opportunity to evaluate the individual home care nurses, the home care agency, and other service providers periodically. The nurse is the care provider. The evaluation is of the provision of care to the patient and family. The nurse's role is not to evaluate the family. Quality-monitoring activities are required by virtually all health care agencies. During the evaluation process, the family is requested to provide their perceptions of care.

A ventilator-dependent child is cared for at home by his parents. Nurses come for 4 hours each day giving the parents some relief. Which other strategy should the nurse recommend to give the parents a break from the responsibilities of caring for a ventilator-dependent child? a. Encourage members from the parent's church group to provide some relief care. b. Train a trusted grandparent to provide an occasional break from the responsibilities of care. c. Encourage the parents to pay out of pocket for additional private duty nurses. d. Suggest the parents place the child in a care facility.

B Respite care provides temporary relief to parents and allows a break from the responsibilities of caring for the ventilator-dependent child on a daily basis. For example, a trusted and trained grandparent or extended family member may be called in to give the family a break from caring for the child. Members of the parent's church group would not have the training necessary to care for a ventilator-dependent child. Asking the parents to pay out of pocket for additional care would put a financial burden on the family. Suggesting the family place the child in a care facility is inappropriate.

Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. Which is considered an advantage of a Hickman-Broviac catheter? a. No need to keep exit site dry b. Easy to use for self-administered infusions c. Heparinized only monthly and after each infusion d. No limitations on regular physical activity, including swimming

B The Hickman-Broviac catheter has several benefits, including that it is easy to use for self-administered infusions. The exit site must be kept dry to decrease risk of infection. The Hickman-Broviac catheter requires daily heparin flushes. Water sports may be restricted because of risk of infection.

A child is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN; hyperalimentation). At the end of 8 hours, the nurse observes the solution and notes that 200 ml/8 hr is being infused rather than the ordered amount of 300 ml/8 hr. The nurse should adjust the rate so that how much will infuse during the next 8 hours? a. 200 ml b. 300 ml c. 350 ml d. 400 ml

B The TPN infusion rate should not be increased or decreased without the practitioner being informed because alterations in rate can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Any changes from the prescribed flow rate may lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Which is an important nursing consideration when performing a bladder catheterization on a young boy? a. Clean technique, not standard precautions, is needed. b. Insert 2% lidocaine lubricant into the urethra. c. Lubricate catheter with water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly. d. Delay catheterization for 20 minutes while anesthetic lubricant is absorbed.

B The anxiety, fear, and discomfort experienced during catheterization can be significantly decreased by preparation of the child and parents, by selection of the correct catheter, and by appropriate technique of insertion. Generous lubrication of the urethra before catheterization and use of lubricant containing 2% lidocaine may reduce or eliminate the burning and discomfort associated with this procedure. Catheterization is a sterile procedure, and standard precautions for body-substance protection should be followed. Water-soluble lubricants do not provide appropriate local anesthesia. Catheterization should be delayed 2 to 3 minutes only. This provides sufficient local anesthesia for the procedure.

A boy with leukemia screams whenever he needs to be turned or moved. Which is the most probable cause of this pain? a. Edema b. Bone involvement c. Petechial hemorrhages d. Changes within the muscles

B The invasion of the bone marrow with leukemic cells gradually causes a weakening of the bone and a tendency toward fractures. As leukemic cells invade the periosteum, increasing pressure causes severe pain. Edema, petechial hemorrhages, and changes within the muscles would not cause severe pain.

A venipuncture will be performed on a 7-year-old girl. She wants her mother to hold her during the procedure. What information should the nurse include in her response to the child? a. It is unsafe. b. It is helpful to relax the child. c. It is against hospital policy. d. It is unnecessary because of child's age.

B The mother's preference for assisting, observing, or waiting outside the room should be assessed along with the child's preference for parental presence. The child's choice should be respected. This will most likely help the child through the procedure. If the mother and child agree, then the mother is welcome to stay. Her familiarity with the procedure should be assessed and potential safety risks identified (mother may sit in chair). Hospital policies should be reviewed to ensure that they incorporate family-centered care. The child should determine whether parental support is necessary.

Guidelines for intramuscular administration of medication in school-age children include which action? a. Inject medication as rapidly as possible. b. Insert needle quickly, using a dart like motion. c. Penetrate skin immediately after cleansing site, before skin has dried. d. Have child stand, if possible, and if child is cooperative.

B The needle should be inserted quickly in a dart like motion at a 90-degree angle unless contraindicated. Inject medications slowly. Allow skin preparation to dry completely before skin is penetrated. Place child in lying or sitting position.

The nurse has received report on four children. Which child should the nurse assess first? a. A school-age child in a coma with stable vital signs b. A preschool child with a head injury and decreasing level of consciousness c. An adolescent admitted after a motor vehicle accident is oriented to person and place d. A toddler in a persistent vegetative state with a low-grade fever

B The nurse should assess the child with a head injury and decreasing level of consciousness first (LOC). Assessment of LOC remains the earliest indicator of improvement or deterioration in neurologic status. The next child the nurse should assess is a toddler in a persistent vegetative state with a low-grade fever. The school-age child in a coma with stable vital signs and the adolescent admitted to the hospital who is oriented to his surroundings would be of least worry to the nurse.

The nurse is closely monitoring a child who is unconscious after a fall and notices that the child suddenly has a fixed and dilated pupil. How should the nurse interpret these findings? a. Eye trauma b. Neurosurgical emergency c. Severe brainstem damage d. Indication of brain death

B The sudden appearance of a fixed and dilated pupil(s) is a neurosurgical emergency. The nurse should immediately report this finding. Although a dilated pupil may be associated with eye trauma, this child has experienced a neurologic insult. Pinpoint pupils or bilateral fixed pupils for more than 5 minutes are indicative of brainstem damage. The unilateral fixed and dilated pupil is suggestive of damage on the same side of the brain. One fixed and dilated pupil is not suggestive of brain death.

Which is the usual presenting symptom for testicular cancer? a. Hard, painful mass b. Hard, painless mass c. Epididymis easily palpated d. Scrotal swelling and pain

B The usual presenting symptom for testicular cancer is a heavy, hard, painless mass that is either smooth or nodular and palpated on the testes. A hard, painful mass, an epididymis easily palpated, and scrotal swelling and pain are not the clinical presentations of testicular cancer.

What are the vector reservoirs for agents causing viral encephalitis in the United States? a. Tarantula spiders b. Mosquitoes c. Carnivorous wild animals d. Domestic and wild animals

B Viral encephalitis, not attributable to a childhood viral disease, is usually transmitted by mosquitoes. The vector reservoir for most agents pathogenic for humans and detected in the United States are mosquitoes and ticks; therefore, most cases of encephalitis appear during the hot summer months. Tarantula spiders, carnivorous wild animals, and domestic and wild animals are not reservoirs for the agents that cause viral encephalitis.

The nurse is caring for an unconscious child. Skin care should include which action? a. Avoid use of pressure reduction on bed. b. Massage reddened bony prominences to prevent deep tissue damage. c. Use draw sheet to move child in bed to reduce friction and shearing injuries. d. Avoid rinsing skin after cleansing with mild antibacterial soap to provide a protective barrier.

C A draw sheet should be used to move the child in the bed or onto a gurney to reduce friction and shearing injuries. Do not drag the child from under the arms. Pressure-reduction devices should be used to redistribute weight. Bony prominences should not be massaged if reddened. Deep tissue damage can occur. Pressure-reduction devices should be used instead. The skin should be cleansed with mild non-alkaline soap or soap-free cleaning agents for routine bathing.

A child has been seizure-free for 2 years. A father asks the nurse how much longer the child will need to take the antiseizure medications. The nurse includes which intervention in the response? a. Medications can be discontinued at this time. b. The child will need to take the drugs for 5 years after the last seizure. c. A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually. d. Seizure disorders are a lifelong problem. Medications cannot be discontinued.

C A predesigned protocol is used to wean a child gradually off antiseizure medications, usually when the child is seizure-free for 2 years and has a normal electroencephalogram (EEG). Medications must be gradually reduced to minimize the recurrence of seizures. Seizure medications can be safely discontinued. The risk of recurrence is greatest within the first year.

A 10-year-old boy on a bicycle has been hit by a car in front of the school. The school nurse immediately assesses airway, breathing, and circulation. What is the next nursing action? a. Place on side b. Take blood pressure c. Stabilize neck and spine d. Check scalp and back for bleeding

C After determining that the child is breathing and has adequate circulation, the next action is to stabilize the neck and spine to prevent any additional trauma. The child's position should not be changed until the neck and spine are stabilized. Blood pressure is a later assessment. Less urgent, but an important assessment, is inspection of the scalp for bleeding.

A 3-year-old child is hospitalized after a submersion injury. The child's mother complains to the nurse, "Being at the hospital seems unnecessary when he is perfectly fine." What is the nurse's best reply? a. "He still needs a little extra oxygen." b. "I'm sure he is fine, but the doctor wants to make sure." c. "The reason for this is that complications could still occur." d. "It is important to observe for possible central nervous system problems."

C All children who have a submersion injury should be admitted to the hospital for observation. Although many children do not appear to have suffered adverse effects from the event, complications such as respiratory compromise and cerebral edema may occur 24 hours after the incident. The mother would not think the child is fine if oxygen were still required. The nurse should clarify that different complications can occur up to 24 hours later and that observations are necessary.

An adolescent will receive a bone marrow transplant (BMT). The nurse should explain that the bone marrow will be administered by which route? a. Bone grafting b. Bone marrow injection c. IV infusion d. Intra-abdominal infusion

C Bone marrow from a donor is infused intravenously, and the transfused stem cells will repopulate the marrow. Because the stem cells migrate to the recipient's marrow when given intravenously, this is the method of administration.

Which type of seizure involves both hemispheres of the brain? a. Focal b. Partial c. Generalized d. Acquired

C Clinical observations of generalized seizures indicate that the initial involvement is from both hemispheres. Focal seizures may arise from any area of the cerebral cortex, but the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes are most commonly affected. Partial seizures are caused by abnormal electric discharges from epileptogenic foci limited to a circumscribed region of the cerebral cortex. A seizure disorder that is acquired is a result of a brain injury from a variety of factors; it does not specify the type of seizure

The home health nurse asks a child's mother many questions as part of the assessment. The mother answers many questions and then stops and says, "I don't know why you ask me all this. Who gets to know this information?" The nurse should take which action? a. Determine why the mother is so suspicious. b. Determine what the mother does not want to tell. c. Explain who will have access to the information. d. Explain that everything is confidential and that no one else will know what is said.

C Communication with the family should not be invasive. The nurse needs to explain the importance of collecting the information, its applicability to the child's care, and who will have access to the information. The mother is not being suspicious and is not necessarily withholding important information. She has a right to understand how the information she provides will be used. The nurse will need to share, through both oral and written communication, clinically relevant information with other involved health professionals.

A young child's parents call the nurse after their child was bitten by a raccoon in the woods. The nurse's recommendation should be based on which statement? a. The child should be hospitalized for close observation. b. No treatment is necessary if thorough wound cleaning is done. c. Antirabies prophylaxis must be initiated. d. Antirabies prophylaxis must be initiated if clinical manifestations appear.

C Current therapy for a rabid animal bite consists of a thorough cleansing of the wound and passive immunization with human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) as soon as possible. Hospitalization is not necessary. The wound cleansing, passive immunization, and immune globulin administration can be done as an outpatient. The child needs to receive both HRIG and rabies vaccine.

The nurse is monitoring a 7-year-old child post surgical resection of an infratentorial brain tumor. Which vital sign findings indicate Cushing's triad? a. Increased temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea b. Decreased temperature, bradycardia, bradypnea c. Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations d. Bradycardia, hypotension, tachypnea

C Cushing's triad is a hallmark sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The triad includes bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations. Increased or decreased temperature is not a sign of Cushing's triad.

In some genetically susceptible children, anesthetic agents can trigger malignant hyperthermia. The nurse should be alert in observing that, in addition to an increased temperature, what is an early sign of this disorder? a. Apnea b. Bradycardia c. Muscle rigidity d. Decreased blood pressure

C Early signs of malignant hyperthermia include tachycardia, increasing blood pressure, tachypnea, mottled skin, and muscle rigidity. Apnea is not a sign of malignant hyperthermia. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is an early sign of malignant hyperthermia. Increased blood pressure, not decreased blood pressure, is characteristic of malignant hyperthermia.

Tepid water or sponge baths are indicated for hyperthermia in children. What is the priority nursing action? a. Add isopropyl alcohol to the water. b. Direct a fan on the child in the bath. c. Stop the bath if the child begins to chill. d. Continue the bath for 5 minutes.

C Environmental measures such as sponge baths can be used to reduce temperature if tolerated by the child and if they do not induce shivering. Shivering is the body's way of maintaining the elevated set point. Compensatory shivering increases metabolic requirements above those already caused by the fever. Ice water and isopropyl alcohol are potentially dangerous solutions. Fans should not be used because of the risk of the child developing vasoconstriction, which defeats the purpose of the cooling measures. Little blood is carried to the skin surface, and the blood remains primarily in the viscera to become heated. The child is placed in a tub of tepid water for 20 to 30 minutes.

What is the most common clinical manifestation(s) of brain tumors in children? a. Irritability b. Seizures c. Headaches and vomiting d. Fever and poor fine motor control

C Headaches, especially on awakening, and vomiting that is not related to feeding are the most common clinical manifestation(s) of brain tumors in children. Irritability, seizures, and fever and poor fine motor control are clinical manifestations of brain tumors, but headaches and vomiting are the most common.

A mother of a 5-year-old child, with complex health care needs and cared for at home, expresses anxiety about attending a kindergarten graduation exercise of a neighbor's child. The mother says, "I wish it could be my child graduating from kindergarten." The nurse recognizes that the mother is experiencing: a. abnormal anxiety. b. ineffective coping. c. chronic sorrow. d. denial.

C Home care nurses should be aware that parents may experience chronic sorrow as a parental stressor. Chronic sorrow as a normal grief response is associated with a living loss (the loss of a healthy child) that is cyclical in nature. This is a normal response and does not indicate abnormal anxiety, ineffective coping, or denial.

Which is most descriptive of the pathophysiology of leukemia? a. Increased blood viscosity occurs. b. Thrombocytopenia (excessive destruction of platelets) occurs. c. Unrestricted proliferation of immature white blood cells (WBCs) occurs. d. First stage of coagulation process is abnormally stimulated.

C Leukemia is a group of malignant disorders of the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It is defined as an unrestricted proliferation of immature WBCs in the blood-forming tissues of the body. Increased blood viscosity may occur secondary to the increased number of WBCs. Thrombocytopenia may occur secondary to the overproduction of WBCs in the bone marrow. The coagulation process is unaffected by leukemia.

Which is the initial clinical manifestation of generalized seizures? a. Being confused b. Feeling frightened c. Losing consciousness d. Seeing flashing lights

C Loss of consciousness is a frequent occurrence in generalized seizures and is the initial clinical manifestation. Being confused, feeling frightened, and seeing flashing lights are clinical manifestations of a complex partial seizure.

What is an appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child? a. Mix in a bottle of formula or milk. b. Mix with any food the child is going to eat. c. Mix with a small amount (1 teaspoon) of a sweet-tasting substance such as jam or ice cream. d. Mix with large amounts of water to dilute medication sufficiently.

C Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of sweet-tasting substance. This will make the medication more palatable to the child. The medication should be mixed with only a small amount of food or liquid. If the child does not finish drinking or eating, it is difficult to determine how much medication was consumed. Medication should not be mixed with essential foods and milk. The child may associate the altered taste with the food and refuse to eat in the future.

The nurse has documented that a child's level of consciousness is obtunded. Which describes this level of consciousness? a. Slow response to vigorous and repeated stimulation b. Impaired decision making c. Arousable with stimulation d. Confusion regarding time and place

C Obtunded describes a level of consciousness in which the child is arousable with stimulation. Stupor is a state in which the child remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and repeated stimulation. Confusion is impaired decision making. Disorientation is confusion regarding time and place.

What is an appropriate nursing intervention when caring for an unconscious child? a. Change the child's position infrequently to minimize the chance of increased ICP b. Avoid using narcotics or sedatives to provide comfort and pain relief c. Monitor fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload and cerebral edema d. Give tepid sponge baths to reduce fever because antipyretics are contraindicated

C Often comatose patients cannot cope with the quantity of fluids that they normally tolerate. Overhydration must be avoided to prevent fatal cerebral edema. The child's position should be changed frequently to avoid complications such as pneumonia and skin breakdown. Narcotics and sedatives should be used as necessary to reduce pain and discomfort, which can increase ICP. Antipyretics are the method of choice for fever reduction.

Home care is being considered for a young child who is ventilator-dependent. Which factor is most important in deciding whether home care is appropriate? a. Level of parents' education b. Presence of two parents in the home c. Preparation and training of family d. Family's ability to assume all health care costs

C One of the essential elements is the family's training and preparation. The family must be able to demonstrate all aspects of care for the child. In many areas, it cannot be guaranteed that nursing care will be available on a continual basis, and the family will have to care for the child. The amount of formal education reached by the parents is not the important issue. The determinant is the family's ability to care adequately for the child in the home. At least two family members should learn and demonstrate all aspects of the child's care in the hospital, but it does not have to be two parents. Few families can assume all health care costs. Creative financial planning, including negotiating arrangements with the insurance company and/or public programs, may be required.

What is a nursing consideration related to the administration of oxygen in an infant? a. Humidify oxygen if the infant can tolerate it. b. Assess the infant to determine how much oxygen should be given. c. Ensure uninterrupted delivery of the appropriate oxygen concentration. d. Direct oxygen flow so that it blows directly into the infant's face in a hood.

C Oxygen is a prescribed medication. It is the nurse's responsibility to ensure that the ordered concentration is delivered and the effects of therapy are monitored. Oxygen is drying to the tissues. Oxygen should always be humidified when delivered to a patient. A child receiving oxygen therapy should have the oxygen saturation monitored at least as frequently as vital signs. Oxygen is a medication, and it is the responsibility of the practitioner to modify dosage as indicated. Humidified oxygen should not be blown directly into an infant's face.

A nurse must do a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child. What is an important consideration in providing atraumatic care? a. Use an 18-gauge needle if possible. b. If not successful after four attempts, have another nurse try. c. Restrain the child only as needed to perform venipuncture safely. d. Show the child equipment to be used before the procedure.

C Restrain the child only as needed to perform the procedure safely; use therapeutic hugging. Use the smallest-gauge needle that permits free flow of blood. A two-try-only policy is desirable, in which two operators each have only two attempts. If insertion is not successful after four punctures, alternative venous access should be considered. Keep all equipment out of sight until used.

A child is brought to the emergency department after experiencing a seizure at school. There is no previous history of seizures. The father tells the nurse that he cannot believe the child has epilepsy. What is the nurse's best response? a. "Epilepsy is easily treated." b. "Very few children have actual epilepsy." c. "The seizure may or may not mean that your child has epilepsy." d. "Your child has had only one convulsion; it probably won't happen again."

C Seizures are the indispensable characteristic of epilepsy; however, not every seizure is epileptic. Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder with recurrent and unprovoked seizures. The treatment of epilepsy involves a thorough assessment to determine the type of seizure the child is having and the cause, followed by individualized therapy to allow the child to have as normal a life as possible. The nurse should not make generalized comments regarding the incidence of epilepsy until further assessment is made.

The nurse must suction a child with a tracheostomy. What is the appropriate technique? a. Encourage the child to cough to raise the secretions before suctioning. b. Select a catheter with diameter three-fourths as large as the diameter of the tracheostomy tube. c. Ensure each pass of the suction catheter should take no longer than 5 seconds. d. Allow the child to rest after every five times the suction catheter is passed.

C Suctioning should require no longer than 5 seconds per pass. Otherwise, the airway may be occluded for too long. If the child is able to cough up secretions, suctioning may not be indicated. The catheter should have a diameter one-half the size of the tracheostomy tube. If it is too large, it might block the child's airway. The child is allowed to rest for 30 to 60 seconds after each aspiration to allow oxygen tension to return to normal. Then the process is repeated until the trachea is clear.

The Allen test is performed as a precautionary measure before which procedure? a. Heel stick b. Venipuncture c. Arterial puncture d. Lumbar puncture

C The Allen test assesses the circulation of the radial, ulnar, or brachial arteries before arterial puncture. The Allen test is used before arterial punctures, not heel sticks, venipunctures, or lumbar punctures.

The emergency department nurse is cleaning multiple facial abrasions on a 9-year-old child whose mother is present. The child is crying and screaming loudly. What is the best nursing action? a. Ask the child to be quieter b. Have the child's mother give instructions about relaxation c. Tell the child it is okay to cry and scream d. Remove the mother from the room

C The child should be allowed to express feelings of anger, anxiety, fear, frustration, or any other emotion. The child needs to know it is all right to cry. There is no reason for the child to be quieter and feelings need to be able to be expressed. The mother should stay in the room to provide comfort to the child.

Which should the nurse consider when having consent forms signed for surgery and procedures on children? a. Only a parent or legal guardian can give consent. b. The person giving consent must be at least 18 years old. c. The risks and benefits of a procedure are part of the consent process. d. A mental age of 7 years or older is required for a consent to be considered "informed."

C The informed consent must include the nature of the procedure, benefits and risks, and alternatives to the procedure. In special circumstances, such as emancipated minors, the consent can be given by someone younger than 18 years without the parent or legal guardian. A mental age of 7 years is too young for consent to be informed.

A school-age child with leukemia experienced severe nausea and vomiting when receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Which is the most appropriate nursing action to prevent or minimize these reactions with subsequent treatments? a. Encourage drinking large amounts of favorite fluids. b. Encourage child to take nothing by mouth (remain NPO) until nausea and vomiting subside. c. Administer an antiemetic before chemotherapy begins. d. Administer an antiemetic as soon as child has nausea.

C The most beneficial regimen to minimize nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy is to administer the antiemetic before the chemotherapy is begun. The goal is to prevent anticipatory symptoms. Drinking fluids will add to the discomfort of the nausea and vomiting. Waiting until nausea and vomiting subside will help with this episode, but the child will have the discomfort and be at risk for dehydration. Administering an antiemetic as soon as the child has nausea does not prevent anticipatory nausea.

When communicating with other professionals, it is important for home care nurses to: a. ask others what they want to know. b. share everything known about the family. c. restrict communication to clinically relevant information. d. recognize that confidentiality is not possible.

C The nurse will need to share, through both oral and written communication, clinically relevant information with other involved health professionals. Asking others what they want to know and sharing everything known about the family is inappropriate. Patients have a right to confidentiality. The nurse is not permitted to share information about clients, except clinically relevant information that pertains to the child's care. Confidentiality permits the disclosure of information to other health professionals on a need-to-know basis.

A 5-year-old girl sustained a concussion when she fell out of a tree. In preparation for discharge, the nurse is discussing home care with her mother. Which statement made by the mother indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I should expect my child to have a few episodes of vomiting." b. "If I notice sleep disturbances, I should contact the physician immediately." c. "I should expect my child to have some behavioral changes after the accident." d. "If I notice diplopia, I will have my child rest for 1 hour."

C The parents are advised of probable posttraumatic symptoms that may be expected. These include behavioral changes and sleep disturbances. If the child has these clinical signs, they should be immediately reported for evaluation. Sleep disturbances are to be expected.

The home health nurse is caring for a child who requires complex care. The family expresses frustration related to obtaining accurate information about their child's illness and its management. Which is the best action for the nurse? a. Determine why family is easily frustrated. b. Refer family to child's primary care practitioner. c. Clarify family's request, and provide information they want. d. Answer only questions that family needs to know about.

C The philosophic basis for family-centered practice is the recognition that the family is the constant in the child's life. It is essential and appropriate that the family have complete and accurate information about their child's illness and management. The nurse may first have to clarify what information the family believes has not been communicated. The family's frustration arises from their perception that they are not receiving information pertinent to their child's care. Referring the family to the child's primary care practitioner does not help the family. The home health nurse should have access to the necessary information. Questions about what they need and want to know concerning their child's care should be addressed.

Frequent urine testing for specific gravity and glucose are required on a 6-month-old infant. Which is the most appropriate way to collect small amounts of urine for these tests? a. Apply a urine-collection bag to the perineal area. b. Tape a small medicine cup to the inside of the diaper. c. Aspirate urine from cotton balls inside the diaper with a syringe. d. Aspirate urine from a superabsorbent disposable diaper with a syringe.

C To obtain small amounts of urine, use a syringe without a needle to aspirate urine directly from the diaper. If diapers with absorbent material are used, place a small gauze dressing or cotton balls inside the diaper to collect the urine, and aspirate the urine with a syringe. For frequent urine sampling, the collection bag would be too irritating to the child's skin. It is not feasible to tape a small medicine cup to the inside of the diaper; the urine will spill from the cup. Diapers with superabsorbent gels absorb the urine, so there is nothing to aspirate.

The school nurse is discussing testicular self-examination with adolescent boys. Why is this important? a. Epididymitis is common during adolescence. b. Asymptomatic sexually transmitted diseases may be present. c. Testicular tumors during adolescence are generally malignant. d. Testicular tumors, although usually benign, are common during adolescence.

C Tumors of the testes are not common, but when manifested in adolescence, they are generally malignant and demand immediate evaluation. Epididymitis is not common in adolescence. Asymptomatic sexually transmitted disease would not be evident during testicular self-examination. The focus of this examination is on testicular cancer. Testicular tumors are most commonly malignant.

A critically ill child has hyperthermia. The parents ask the nurse to give an antipyretic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). What should the nurse explain about antipyretics? a. They may cause malignant hyperthermia b. They may cause febrile seizures c. They are of no value in treating hyperthermia d. They are of limited value in treating hyperthermia

C Unlike with fever, antipyretics are of no value in hyperthermia because the set point is already normal. Cooling measures are used instead. Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic myopathy that is triggered by anesthetic agents. Antipyretic agents do not have this effect. Antipyretics do not cause seizures and are of no value in hyperthermia.

What is beneficial in reducing the risk of Reye syndrome? a. Immunization against the disease b. Medical attention for all head injuries c. Prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis d. Avoidance of aspirin to treat fever associated with influenza

D Although the etiology of Reye syndrome is obscure, most cases follow a common viral illness, either varicella or influenza. A potential association exists between aspirin therapy and the development of Reye syndrome, so use of aspirin is avoided. No immunization currently exists for Reye syndrome. Reye syndrome is not correlated with head injuries or bacterial meningitis.

Children taking phenobarbital (phenobarbital sodium) and/or phenytoin (Dilantin) may experience a deficiency of: a. calcium. b. vitamin C. c. fat-soluble vitamins. d. vitamin D and folic acid.

D Deficiencies of vitamin D and folic acid have been reported in children taking phenobarbital and phenytoin. Calcium, vitamin C, and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are not associated with phenobarbital or phenytoin.

A child with leukemia is receiving triple intrathecal chemotherapy consisting of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone. What will the triple intrathecal chemotherapy prevent? a. Infection b. Brain tumor c. Drug side effects d. Central nervous system (CNS) disease

D For certain children, CNS prophylactic therapy is indicated. This drug regimen is used to prevent CNS leukemia and will not prevent infection or drug side effects. If the child has a brain tumor in addition to leukemia, additional therapy would be indicated.

The mother of a 1-month-old infant tells the nurse she worries that her baby will get meningitis like her oldest son did when he was an infant. The nurse should base her response on which statement? a. Meningitis rarely occurs during infancy. b. Often a genetic predisposition to meningitis is found. c. Vaccination to prevent all types of meningitis is now available. d. Vaccination to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis has decreased the frequency of this disease in children.

D H. influenzae type B meningitis has been virtually eradicated in areas of the world where the vaccine is administered routinely. Bacterial meningitis remains a serious illness in children. It is significant because of the residual damage caused by undiagnosed and untreated or inadequately treated cases. The leading causes of neonatal meningitis are the group B streptococci and Escherichia coli organisms. Meningitis is an extension of a variety of bacterial infections. No genetic predisposition exists. Vaccinations are not available for all of the potential causative organisms.

When should the nurse recommend medical attention for a child with a slight head injury? a. Experiences sleepiness b. Vomits c. Has a headache d. Is confused or has abnormal behavior

D Medical attention should be sought if the child exhibits confusion or abnormal behavior, loses consciousness, has amnesia, has fluid leaking from the nose or ears, complains of blurred vision, or has an unsteady gait. Sleepiness alone does not require evaluation. If the child is difficult to arouse from sleep, medical attention should be obtained. Vomiting more than three times requires medical attention. Severe or worsening headache or one that interferes with sleep should be evaluated.

A family wants to begin oral feeding of their 4-year-old son, who is ventilator-dependent and currently tube-fed. They ask the home health nurse to feed him the baby food orally. The nurse recognizes a high risk of aspiration and an already compromised respiratory status. The most appropriate nursing action is to: a. refuse to feed him orally because the risk is too high. b. explain the risks involved, and then let the family decide what should be done. c. feed him orally because the family has the right to make this decision for their child. d. acknowledge their request, explain the risks, and explore with the family the available options.

D Parents want to be included in the decision making for their child's care. The nurse should discuss the request with the family to ensure this is the issue of concern, and then they can explore potential options together. Merely refusing to feed the child orally does not determine why the parents wish the oral feedings to begin and does not involve them in the problem solving. The decision to begin or not change feedings should be a collaborative one, made in consultation with the family, nurse, and appropriate member of the health care team.

The nurse is caring for a child with severe head trauma after a car accident. Which is an ominous sign that often precedes death? a. Papilledema b. Delirium c. Doll's head maneuver d. Periodic and irregular breathing

D Periodic or irregular breathing is an ominous sign of brainstem (especially medullary) dysfunction that often precedes complete apnea. Papilledema is edema and inflammation of optic nerve. It is commonly a sign of increased intracranial pressure Delirium is a state of mental confusion and excitement marked by disorientation for time and place. The doll's head maneuver is a test for brainstem or oculomotor nerve dysfunction.

How should the nurse administer a gavage feeding to a school-age child? a. Lubricate the tip of the feeding tube with Vaseline to facilitate passage. b. Check the placement of the tube by inserting 20 ml of sterile water. c. Administer feedings over 5 to 10 minutes. d. Position the patient on the right side after administering feeding.

D Position the child with the head elevated about 30 degrees and on the right side or abdomen for at least 1 hour. This is in the same manner as after any infant feeding to minimize the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration. Insert a tube that has been lubricated with sterile water or water-soluble lubricant. With a syringe, inject a small amount of air into the tube, while simultaneously listening with a stethoscope over the stomach area. Feedings should be administered via gravity flow and take from 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

What is an appropriate intervention to encourage food and fluid intake in a hospitalized child? a. Force the child to eat and drink to combat caloric losses. b. Discourage participation in non-eating activities until caloric intake is sufficient. c. Administer large quantities of flavored fluids at frequent intervals and during meals. d. Give high-quality foods and snacks whenever the child expresses hunger.

D Small, frequent meals and nutritious snacks should be provided for the child. Favorite foods such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit yogurt, cheese, pizza, and macaroni and cheese should be available. Forcing a child to eat only meets with rebellion and reinforces the behavior as a control mechanism. Large quantities of fluid may decrease the child's hunger and further inhibit food intake.

The nurse is performing a Glasgow Coma Scale on a school-age child with a head injury. The child opens eyes spontaneously, obeys commands, and is oriented to person, time, and place. Which is the score the nurse should record? a. 8 b. 11 c. 13 d. 15

D The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) consists of a three-part assessment: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Numeric values of 1 through 5 are assigned to the levels of response in each category. The sum of these numeric values provides an objective measure of the patient's level of consciousness (LOC). A person with an unaltered LOC would score the highest, 15. The child who opens eyes spontaneously, obeys commands, and is oriented is scored at a 15.

The nurse approaches a group of school-age patients to administer medication to Sam Hart. What should the nurse do to identify the correct child? a. Ask the group, "Who is Sam Hart?" b. Call out to the group, "Sam Hart?" c. Ask each child, "What's your name?" d. Check the patient's identification name band

D The child must be correctly identified before the administration of any medication. Children are not totally reliable in giving correct names on request; the identification bracelet should always be checked. Asking children or the group for names is not an acceptable way to identify a child. Older children may exchange places, give an erroneous name, or choose not to respond to their name as a joke.

Myelosuppression, associated with chemotherapeutic agents or some malignancies such as leukemia, can cause bleeding tendencies because of a(n): a. decrease in leukocytes. b. increase in lymphocytes. c. vitamin C deficiency. d. decrease in blood platelets.

D The decrease in blood platelets secondary to the myelosuppression of chemotherapy can cause an increase in bleeding. The child and family should be alerted to avoid risk of injury. Decrease in leukocytes, increase in lymphocytes, and vitamin C deficiency would not affect bleeding tendencies.

A mother calls the outpatient clinic requesting information on appropriate dosing for over-the-counter medications for her 13-month-old who has symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The box of acetaminophen says to give 120 mg q4h when needed. At his 12-month visit, the nurse practitioner prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse's best response? a. "The doses are close enough; it doesn't really matter which one is given." b. "It is not appropriate to use dosages based on age because children have a wide range of weights at different ages." c. "From your description, medications are not necessary. They should be avoided in children at this age." d. "The nurse practitioner ordered the drug based on weight, which is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose."

D The method most often used to determine children's dosage is based on a specific dose per kilogram of body weight. The mother should be given correct information. For a therapeutic effect, the dosage should be based on weight, not age. Acetaminophen can be used to relieve discomfort in children at this age group.

The nurse is assessing a child who was just admitted to the hospital for observation after a head injury. Which is the most essential part of the nursing assessment to detect early signs of a worsening condition? a. Posturing b. Vital signs c. Focal neurologic signs d. Level of consciousness

D The most important nursing observation is assessment of the child's level of consciousness. Alterations in consciousness appear earlier in the progression of an injury than do alterations of vital signs or focal neurologic signs. Neurologic posturing is indicative of neurologic damage. Vital signs and focal neurologic signs are later signs of progression when compared with level-of-consciousness changes.