Ch. 40 Respiratory dysfunction pediatric

19. A child has a chronic, nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase of respiration. This suggests a. Asthma b. Pneumonia c. Bronchiolitis d. Foreign body in trachea

ANS: A A Children with asthma usually have these chronic symptoms. B Pneumonia appears with an acute onset and fever and general malaise. C Bronchiolitis is an acute condition caused by RSV. D Foreign body in the trachea will occur with an acute respiratory distress or failure and maybe stridor.

39. An 18-month-old child is seen in the clinic with AOM. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) is prescribed. Which statement made by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the instructions? a. I should administer all the prescribed medication. b. I should continue medication until the symptoms subside. c. I will immediately stop giving medication if I notice a change in hearing. d. I will stop giving medication if fever is still present in 24 hours

ANS: A Antibiotics should be given for their full course to prevent recurrence of infection with resistant bacteria. Symptoms may subside before the full course is given. Hearing loss is a complication of AOM. Antibiotics should continue to be given. Medication may take 24 to 48 hours to make symptoms subside. It should be continued.

13. A school-age child has had an upper respiratory tract infection for several days and then began having a persistent dry, hacking cough that was worse at night. The cough has become productive in the past 24 hours. This is most suggestive of: a. Bronchitis. b. Bronchiolitis. c. Viral-induced asthma. d. Acute spasmodic laryngitis.

ANS: A Bronchitis is characterized by these symptoms and occurs in children older than 6 years. Bronchiolitis is rare in children older than 2 years. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that may be exacerbated by a virus. Acute spasmodic laryngitis occurs in children between 3 months and 3 years.

43. A child with cystic fibrosis (CF) receives aerosolized bronchodilator medication. When should this medication be administered? a. Before chest physiotherapy (CPT) b. After CPT c. Before receiving 100% oxygen d. After receiving 100% oxygen

ANS: A Bronchodilators should be given before CPT to open bronchi and make expectoration easier. Aerosolized bronchodilator medications are not helpful when used after CPT. Oxygen administration is necessary only in acute episodes with caution because of chronic carbon dioxide retention.

23. Which statement expresses accurately the genetic implications of cystic fibrosis (CF)? A. If it is present in a child, both parents are carriers of this defective gene B. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait C. It is a genetic defect found primarily in non-Caucasian population groups D. There is a 50% chance that siblings of an affected child also will be affected

ANS: A CF is an autosomal recessive gene inherited from both parents and is found primarily in Caucasian populations. An autosomal recessive inheritance pattern means that there is a 25% chance that a sibling will be infected but a 50% chance a sibling will be a carrier.

28. In providing nourishment for a child with cystic fibrosis (CF), which factor should the nurse keep in mind? a. Diet should be high in carbohydrates and protein. b. Diet should be high in easily digested carbohydrates and fats. c. Most fruits and vegetables are not well tolerated. d. Fats and proteins must be greatly curtailed.

ANS: A Children with CF require a well-balanced, high-protein, high-calorie diet because of impaired intestinal absorption. Enzyme supplementation helps digest foods; other modifications are not necessary. A wellbalanced diet containing fruits and vegetables is important. Fats and proteins are a necessary part of a wellbalanced diet.

24. The earliest recognizable clinical manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) is: a. Meconium ileus. b. History of poor intestinal absorption. c. Foul-smelling, frothy, greasy stools. d. Recurrent pneumonia and lung infections.

ANS: A The earliest clinical manifestation of CF is a meconium ileus, which is found in about 10% of children with CF. Clinical manifestations include abdominal distention, vomiting, failure to pass stools, and rapid development of dehydration. History of malabsorption is a later sign that manifests as failure to thrive. Foulsmelling stools and recurrent respiratory infections are later manifestations of CF.

3. Decongestant nose drops are recommended for a 10-month-old infant with an upper respiratory tract infection. Instructions for nose drops should include: a. Avoiding use for more than 3 days. b. Keeping drops to use again for nasal congestion. c. Administering drops until nasal congestion subsides. d. Administering drops after feedings and at bedtime.

ANS: A Vasoconstrictive nose drops such as Neo-Synephrine should not be used for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion. Drops should be discarded after one illness because they may become contaminated with bacteria. Vasoconstrictive nose drops can have a rebound effect after 3 days of use. Drops administered before feedings are more helpful.

44. A nurse is interpreting the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) on an adolescent who is HIV positive. Which induration size indicates a positive result for this child 48-72 hours after the test? a. 5 mm b. 10 mm c. 15 mm d. 20 mm

ANS: A Clinical evidence of a positive TST in children receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including immunosuppressive doses of steroids or who have immunosuppressive conditions, including HIV infection is an induration of 5 mm. Children younger than 4 years of age with: (a) other medical risk conditions, including Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, or malnutrition; (b) born or whose parents were born in high-prevalence (TB) regions of the world; (c) frequently exposed to adults who are HIV infected, homeless, users of illicit drugs, residents of nursing homes, incarcerated or institutionalized, or migrant farm workers; and (d) who travel to high-prevalence (TB) regions of the world are positive when the induration is 10 mm. Children 4 years of age or older without any risk factors are positive when the induration is 20 mm.

47. Which information should the nurse teach families about reducing exposure to pollens and dust (Select all that apply)? a. Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with wood and tile floors. b. Use an air conditioner. c. Put dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses. d. Keep humidity in the house above 60%. e. Keep pets outside.

ANS: A, B, C Carpets retain dust. To reduce exposure to dust, carpeting should be replaced with wood, tile, slate, or vinyl. These floors can be cleaned easily. For anyone with pollen allergies, it is best to keep the windows closed and to run the air conditioner. Covering mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers will reduce exposure to dust. A humidity level above 60% promotes dust mites. It is recommended that household humidity be kept between 40% and 50% to reduce dust mites inside the house. Keeping pets outside will help to decrease exposure to dander, but will not affect exposure to pollen and dust.

45. An infant has developed staphylococcal pneumonia. Nursing care of the child with pneumonia includes which of the following? (Select all that apply). a. Cluster care to conserve energy b. Round-the-clock administration of antitussive agents c. Strict intake and output to avoid congestive heart failure d. Administration of antibiotics e. Placement in a mist tent

ANS: A, D Antibiotics are indicated for a bacterial pneumonia. Often the child will have decreased pulmonary reserve, and the clustering of care is essential. Round-the-clock antitussive agents and strict intake and output are not included in the care of the child with pneumonia. Mist tents are no longer utilized for pediatric respiratory care.

17. The nurse is caring for a child with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning associated with smoke inhalation. What is essential in this child's care? A. Monitor pulse oximetry B. Monitor arterial blood gases C. Administer oxygen if respiratory distress develops D. Administer oxygen if child's lips become bright, cherry red.

ANS: B

29. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is begun on a toddler. Which pulse is usually palpated because it is the most central and accessible? a. Radial b. Carotid c. Femoral d. Brachia

ANS: B

40. The nurse is assessing a child with acute epiglottis. Examining the childs throat by using a tongue depressor might precipitate which symptom or condition? A. Inspiratory stridor B. Complete obstruction C. Sore throat D. Respiratory tract infection

ANS: B

41. Which consideration is the most important in managing tuberculosis (TB) in children? a. Skin testing annually b. Pharmacotherapy c. Adequate nutrition d. Adequate hydration

ANS: B

1. Which statement best describes why children have fewer respiratory tract infections as they grow older? A. The amount of lymphoid tissue decreases B. Repeated exposure to organisms causes increased immunity C. Viral organisms are less prevalent in the population D. Secondary infections rarely occur after viral illnesses

ANS: B Children have increased immunity after exposure to a virus. The amount of lymphoid tissue increases as children grow older. Viral organisms are not less prevalent, but older children have the ability to resist invading organisms. Secondary infections after viral illnesses include Mycoplasma pneumoniae and groups A and B streptococcal infections.

11. Which type of croup is always considered a medical emergency? a. Laryngitis b. Epiglottitis c. Spasmodic croup d. Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)

ANS: B Epiglottitis is always a medical emergency needing antibiotics and airway support for treatment. Laryngitis is a common viral illness in older children and adolescents, with hoarseness and upper respiratory infection symptoms. Spasmodic croup is treated with humidity. LTB may progress to a medical emergency in some children.

16. The nurse is caring for a child with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with sepsis. Nursing actions should include A. Force fluids B. Monitor pulse oximetry C. Institute seizure precautions D. Encourage a high-protein diet

ANS: B Monitoring cardiopulmonary status is an important evaluation tool in the care of the child with ARDS. Maintenance of vascular volume and hydration is important and should be done parenterally. Seizures are not a side effect of ARDS. Adequate nutrition is necessary, but a high-protein diet is not helpful.

32. The parent of a toddler calls the nurse, asking about croup. What is a distinguishing manifestation of spasmodic croup? a. Wheezing is heard audibly. b. It has a harsh, barky cough. c. It is bacterial in nature. d. The child has a high fever

ANS: B Spasmodic croup is viral in origin, is usually preceded by several days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, and often begins at night. It is marked by a harsh, metallic, barky cough; sore throat; inspiratory stridor; and hoarseness. Wheezing is not a distinguishing manifestation of croup. It can accompany conditions such as asthma or bronchiolitis. A high fever is not usually present.

12. The nurse encourages the mother of a toddler with acute laryngotracheobronchitis to stay at the bedside as much as possible. The nurses rationale for this action is primarily that: a. Mothers of hospitalized toddlers often experience guilt. b. The mothers presence will reduce anxiety and ease the childs respiratory efforts. c. Separation from the mother is a major developmental threat at this age. d. The mother can provide constant observations of the childs respiratory efforts.

ANS: B The family's presence will decrease the child's distress. The mother may experience guilt, but this is not the best answer. Although separation from the mother is a developmental threat for toddlers, the main reason to keep parents at the child's bedside is to ease anxiety and therefore respiratory effort. The child should have constant cardiorespiratory monitoring and noninvasive oxygen saturation monitoring, but the parent should not play this role in the hospital.

21. b-Adrenergic agonists and methylxanthines are often prescribed for a child with an asthma attack. What is their action? a. Liquefy secretions b. Dilate the bronchioles c. Reduce inflammation of the lungs d. Reduce infection

ANS: B These medications work to dilate the bronchioles in acute exacerbations. These medications do not liquefy secretions or reduce infection. Corticosteroids and mast cell stabilizers reduce inflammation in the lungs.

26. A child with cystic fibrosis is receiving recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase). This drug: a. May cause mucus to thicken. b. May cause voice alterations. c. Is given subcutaneously. d. Is not indicated for children younger than 12 years.

ANS: B Two of the only adverse effects of rhDNase are voice alterations and laryngitis. rhDNase decreases viscosity of mucus, is given in an aerosolized form, and is safe for children younger than 12 years of age

18. Asthma in infants is usually triggered by: a. Medications. b. A viral infection. c. Exposure to cold air. d. Allergy to dust or dust mites.

ANS: B Viral illnesses cause inflammation that causes increased airway reactivity in asthma. Medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and antibiotics may aggravate asthma, but not frequently in infants. Exposure to cold air may exacerbate already existing asthma. Allergy is associated with asthma, but 20% to 40% of children with asthma have no evidence of allergic disease.

7. A child is diagnosed with influenza, probably type A disease. Management includes: a. Clear liquid diet for hydration. b. Aspirin to control fever. c. Amantadine hydrochloride to reduce symptoms. d. Antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection

ANS: C Amantadine hydrochloride may reduce symptoms related to influenza type A if administered within 24 to 48 hours of onset. It is ineffective against type B or C. A clear liquid diet is not necessary for influenza, but maintaining hydration is important. Aspirin is not recommended in children because of increased risk of Reye's syndrome. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a better choice. Preventive antibiotics are not indicated for influenza unless there is evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.

33. Which intervention for treating croup at home should be taught to parents? a. Have a decongestant available to give the child when an attack occurs. b. Have the child sleep in a dry room. c. Take the child outside. d. Give the child an antibiotic at bedtime.

ANS: C Taking the child into the cool, humid, night air may relieve mucosal swelling and improve symptoms. Decongestants are inappropriate for croup, which affects the middle airway level. A dry environment may contribute to symptoms. Croup is caused by a virus. Antibiotic treatment is not indicated.

20. It is now recommended that children with asthma who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently because they may develop: a. Cough. b. Osteoporosis. c. Slowed growth d. Cushings syndrome.

ANS: C The growth of children on long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently to assess for systemic effects of these drugs. Cough is prevented by inhaled steroids. No evidence exists that inhaled steroids cause osteoporosis. Cushing's syndrome is caused by long-term systemic steroids.

46. The nurse is caring for a 10-month -old infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Which interventions should be included in the childs care (select all that apply)? A. Administer antibiotics B. Administer cough syrup C. Encourage infant to drink 8 ounces of formula every 4 hours D. Institute cluster care to encourage adequate rest E. Place on noninvasive oxygen monitoring

ANS: C, D, E Hydration is important in children with RSV bronchiolitis to loosen secretions and prevent shock. Clustering of care promotes periods of rest. The use of noninvasive oxygen monitoring is recommended.

2. A child has had cold symptoms for more than 2 weeks, a headache, nasal congestion with purulent nasal drainage, facial tenderness, and a cough that increases during sleep. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are characteristic of which respiratory condition? a. Allergic rhinitis b. Bronchitis c. Asthma d. Sinusitis

ANS: D

4. When caring for an infant with an upper respiratory tract infection and elevated temperature, an appropriate nursing intervention is to: A. Give tepid water baths to reduce fever B. Encourage food intake to maintain caloric needs C. Have child wear heavy clothing to prevent chilling D. Give small amounts of favorite frequently to prevent dehydration

ANS: D

5. The parent of an infant with nasopharyngitis should be instructed to notify the health care professional if the infant: A. Becomes fussy B. Has a cough C. Has a fever over 99 F D. Shows signs of an earache

ANS: D

8. Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) is differentiated from acute otitis media (AOM) because it is usually characterized by: a. Fever as high as 40 C (104 F). b. Severe pain in the ear. c. Nausea and vomiting. d. A feeling of fullness in the ear.

ANS: D

25. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is suspected in a toddler. Which test is essential in establishing this diagnosis? a. Bronchoscopy b. Serum calcium c. Urine creatinine d. Sweat chloride test

ANS: D A sweat chloride test result greater than 60 mEq/L is diagnostic of CF. Although bronchoscopy is helpful for identifying bacterial infection in children with CF, it is not diagnostic. Serum calcium is normal in children with CF. Urine creatinine is not diagnostic of CF.

14. Skin testing for tuberculosis (the Mantoux test) is recommended: a. Every year for all children older than 2 years. b. Every year for all children older than 10 years. c. Every 2 years for all children starting at age 1 year. d. Periodically for children who reside in high-prevalence regions

ANS: D Children who reside in high prevalence regions for tuberculosis should be tested every 2 to 3 years. Annual testing is not necessary. Testing is not necessary unless exposure is likely or an underlying medical risk factor is present.

27. Pancreatic enzymes are administered to the child with cystic fibrosis. Nursing considerations should include: a. Do not administer pancreatic enzymes if the child is receiving antibiotics. b. Decrease dose of pancreatic enzymes if the child is having frequent, bulky stools. c. Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible. d. Pancreatic enzymes can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount of food taken at the beginning of a meal.

ANS: D Enzymes may be administered in a small amount of cereal or fruit or swallowed whole at the beginning of a meal, not between meals. Pancreatic enzymes are not contraindicated with antibiotics. The dose of enzymes should be increased if the child is having frequent, bulky stools.

35. Which vitamin supplements are necessary for children with cystic fibrosis? a. Vitamin C and calcium b. Vitamins B6 and B12 c. Magnesium d. Vitamins A, D, E, and K

ANS: D Fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed because of deficient pancreatic enzymes in children with cystic fibrosis; therefore, supplements are necessary. Vitamin C and calcium are not fat soluble. Vitamins B6 and B12 are not fat-soluble vitamins. Magnesium is a mineral, not a vitamin.

9. Which statement is characteristic of acute otitis media (AOM)? A. The etiology is unknown B. Permanent hearing loss often results C. It can be treated by intramuscular antibiotics D. It is treated with a broad range of antibiotics

ANS: D Historically AOM has been treated with a range of antibiotics, and it is the most common disorder treated with antibiotics in the ambulatory setting. The etiology of AOM may be bacterial, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, or a viral agent. Recent concerns about drugresistant organisms have caused authorities to recommend judicious use of antibiotics and that antibiotics are not required for initial treatment. Permanent hearing loss is not a frequent cause of properly treated AOM. Intramuscular antibiotics are not necessary. Oral amoxicillin is the treatment of choice.

34. Which information should the nurse teach workers at a day care center about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? a. RSV is transmitted through particles in the air. b. RSV can live on skin or paper for up to a few seconds after contact. c. RSV can survive on nonporous surfaces for about 60 minutes. d. Frequent hand washing can decrease the spread of the virus

ANS: D Meticulous hand washing can decrease the spread of organisms. RSV infection is not airborne. It is acquired mainly through contact with contaminated surfaces. RSV can live on skin or paper for up to 1 hour and on cribs and other nonporous surfaces for up to 6 hours.

38. Parents have understood teaching about prevention of childhood otitis media if they make which statement? a. We will only prop the bottle during the daytime feedings. b. Breastfeeding will be discontinued after 4 months of age. c. We will place the child flat right after feedings. d. We will be sure to keep immunizations up to date.

ANS: D Parents have understood the teaching about preventing childhood otitis media if they respond they will keep childhood immunizations up to date. The child should be maintained upright during feedings and after. Otitis media can be prevented by exclusively breastfeeding until at least 6 months of age. Propping bottles is discouraged to avoid pooling of milk while the child is in the supine position.

36. Why do infants and young children quickly have respiratory distress in acute and chronic alterations of the respiratory system? a. They have a widened, shorter airway. b. There is a defect in their sucking ability. c. The gag reflex increases mucus production. d. Mucus and edema obstruct small airways.

ANS: D The airway in infants and young children is narrower, not wider, and respiratory distress can occur quickly because mucus and edema can cause obstruction to their small airways. Sucking is not necessarily related to problems with the airway. The gag reflex is necessary to prevent aspiration. It does not produce mucus.

15. The mother of a toddler yells to the nurse, Help! He is choking to death on his food. The nurse determines that lifesaving measures are necessary based on: a. Gagging. b. Coughing. c. Pulse over 100 beats/min. d. Inability to speak.

ANS: D The inability to speak indicates a foreign-body airway obstruction of the larynx. Abdominal thrusts are needed for treatment of the choking child. Gagging indicates irritation at the back of the throat, not obstruction. Coughing does not indicate a complete airway obstruction. Tachycardia may be present for many reasons.

30. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) are recommended for airway obstruction in children older than: a. 1 year. b. 4 years. c. 8 years. d. 12 years.

ANS: A

37. A nurse is charting that a hospitalized child has labored breathing. Which describes labored breathing? a. Dyspnea b. Tachypnea c. Hypopnea d. Orthopnea

ANS: A

10. An infants parents ask the nurse about preventing otitis media (OM). What should the nurse recommend? a. Avoid tobacco smoke. b. Use nasal decongestant. c. Avoid children with OM. d. Bottle-feed or breastfeed in supine position.

ANS: A Eliminating tobacco smoke from the child's environment is essential for preventing OM and other common childhood illnesses. Nasal decongestants are not useful in preventing OM. Children with uncomplicated OM are not contagious unless they show other upper respiratory infection symptoms. Children should be fed in an upright position to prevent OM.

31. An appropriate nursing intervention when caring for a child with pneumonia is to: a. Encourage rest. b. Encourage the child to lie on the unaffected side. c. Administer analgesics. d. Place the child in the Trendelenburg position

ANS: A Encouraging rest by clustering care and promoting a quiet environment is the best intervention for a child with pneumonia. Lying on the affected side may promote comfort by splinting the chest and reducing pleural rubbing. Analgesics are not indicated. Children should be placed in a semi-erect position or position of comfort.

42. A nurse is conducting an in-service on asthma. Which statement is the most descriptive of bronchial asthma? a. There is heightened airway reactivity. b. There is decreased resistance in the airway. c. The single cause of asthma is an allergic hypersensitivity. d. It is inherited

ANS: A In bronchial asthma, spasm of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles causes constriction, producing impaired respiratory function. In bronchial asthma, there is increased resistance in the airway. There are multiple causes of asthma, including allergens, irritants, exercise, cold air, infections, medications, medical conditions, and endocrine factors. Atopy or development of an immunoglobulin E (IgE)mediated response is inherited but is not the only cause of asthma.

22. A parent whose two school-age children have asthma asks the nurse in what sports, if any, they can participate. The nurse should recommend: a. Soccer. b. Running. c. Swimming d. Basketball.

ANS: C

6. It is generally recommended that a child with acute streptococcal pharyngitis can return to school: a. When the sore throat is better. b. If no complications develop. c. After taking antibiotics for 24 hours. d. After taking antibiotics for 3 days.

ANS: C