PEDS/OB test CH: 35 & 36

The mean age of menarche in the United States is: a. 11.5 years. b. 12.5 years. c. 13.5 years. d. 14 years.

ANS: B The average age of menarche is 12 years and 4 months in North American girls, with a normal range of 10.5 to 15 years.

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

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

Young people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are often described as possessing what personal characteristic? a. Independent b. Disruptive c. Conforming d. Low achieving

ANS: C Individuals with anorexia nervosa are described as perfectionist, academically high achievers, conforming, and conscientious. Independent, disruptive, and low achieving are not part of the behavioral characteristics of anorexia nervosa.

By what age should concerns about pubertal delay be considered in boys? a. 12 to 12.5 years b. 12.5 to 13 years c. 13 to 13.5 years d. 13.5 to 14 years

ANS: D Concerns about pubertal delay should be considered for boys who exhibit no enlargement of the testes or scrotal changes by 13.5 to 14 years of age. Ages younger than 13.5 years are too young for initial concern.

What is the most common cause of death in the adolescent age-group? a. Drownings b. Firearms c. Drug overdoses d. Motor vehicles

ANS: D The leading cause of all adolescent deaths in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. Drownings, firearms, and drug overdoses are major concerns in adolescence but do not cause the majority of deaths.

Place in correct order the sequence of maturational changes for girls. Begin with the first change seen, sequencing to the last change. a. Growth of pubic hair b. Rapid increase in height and weight c. Breast changes d. Menstruation e. Appearance of axillary hair

CBAED

Which aspect of cognition develops during adolescence? a. Capability to use a future time perspective. b. Ability to place things in a sensible and logical order. c. Ability to see things from the point of view of another. d. Progress from making judgments based on what they see to making judgments based on what they reason.

ANS: A Adolescents are no longer restricted to the real and actual. They are also concerned with the possible; they think beyond the present. During concrete operations (between ages 7 and 11 years), children exhibit the ability to place things in a sensible and logical order, the ability to see things from another's point of view, and the ability to make judgments based on what they reason rather than just what they see.

According to Piaget, the adolescent is in the fourth stage of cognitive development with a focus on what area? a. Formal operations b. Concrete operations c. Conventional thought d. Postconventional thought

ANS: A Cognitive thinking culminates with capacity for abstract thinking. This stage, the period of formal operations, is Piaget's fourth and last stage. The concrete operations stage usually develops between ages 7 and 11 years. Conventional and postconventional thought refer to Kohlberg's stages of moral development.

The nurse, providing support to parents of a child newly diagnosed with a chronic disability, notices that they keep asking the same questions. How should the nurse respond to best meet their needs? a. Patiently continue to answer questions. b. Kindly refer them to someone else to answer their questions. c. Recognize that some parents cannot understand explanations. d. Suggest that they ask their questions when they are not upset.

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

The parents of a child born with disabilities ask the nurse for advice about discipline. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge concerning discipline? a. Appropriate disciple is essential for the child. b. It may be too difficult to implement appropriate discipline for a special-needs child. c. Discipline is not needed unless the child becomes problematic. d. Discipline is best achieved with punishment for misbehavior.

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

Which is the most commonly used method in completed suicides? a. Firearms b. Drug overdose c. Self-inflected laceration d. Carbon monoxide poisoning

ANS: A Firearms are the most commonly used instruments in completed suicides among both males and females. For adolescent boys, firearms are followed by hanging and overdose. For adolescent females, overdose and strangulation are the next most common means of completed suicide. The most common method of suicide attempt is overdose or ingestion of potentially toxic substances such as drugs. The second most common method of suicide attempt is self-inflicted laceration. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not one of the more frequent forms of suicide completion.

A young adolescent tells the nurse, "I feel gawky." The nurse should explain that this occurs in adolescents because of what physiological event? a. Growth of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas. b. Growth is in the trunk and chest. c. The hip and chest breadth increases. d. The growth spurt occurs earlier in girls.

ANS: A Growth in length of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas, and, because these parts are the first to reach adult length, the hands and feet appear larger than normal during adolescence. Increases in hip and chest breadth take place in a few months, followed several months later by an increase in shoulder width. These changes are followed by increases in length of the trunk and depth of the chest. This sequence of changes is responsible for the characteristic long-legged, gawky appearance of early adolescent children. The growth spurt occurs earlier in girls than in boys but this does not address the child's concern.

Matt, aged 14 years, seems to be always eating, although his weight is appropriate for his height. What is the best explanation for this situation? a. This is normal because of increase in body mass. b. This is abnormal and suggestive of future obesity. c. His caloric intake would have to be excessive. d. He is substituting food for unfilled needs.

ANS: A In adolescence, nutritional needs are closely related to the increase in body mass. The peak requirements occur in the years of maximal growth. The caloric and protein requirements are higher than at almost any other time of life. This describes the expected eating pattern for young adolescents as long as weight and height are appropriate; obesity and substitution of food for unfilled needs are not concerns.

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

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

Which is the most significant factor in distinguishing those who commit suicide from those who make suicidal attempts or threats? a. Social isolation b. Level of stress c. Degree of depression d. Desire to punish others

ANS: A Social isolation is a significant factor in distinguishing adolescents who will kill themselves from those who will not. It is also more characteristic of those who complete suicide than of those who make attempts or threats. Level of stress, degree of depression, and desire to punish others are contributing factors in suicide, but they are not the most significant factor in distinguishing those who complete suicide from those who attempt suicide.

What is the first sign of pubertal change seen with boys? a. Testicular enlargement b. Facial hair c. Scrotal enlargement d. Voice deepens

ANS: A The first sign of pubertal changes in boys is testicular enlargement in response to testosterone secretion, which usually occurs in Tanner stage 2. Slight pubic hair is present and the smooth skin texture of the scrotum is somewhat altered. As testosterone secretion increases, the penis, testes, and scrotum enlarge. During Tanner stages 4 and 5, rising levels of testosterone cause the voice to deepen and facial hair appears at the corners of the upper lip and chin.

A 14-year-old boy and his parents are concerned about bilateral breast enlargement. The nurse's discussion of their concerns should be based on what understanding? a. This is usually a benign and temporary condition. b. This is usually caused by Klinefelter's syndrome. c. Administration of estrogen effectively reduces gynecomastia. d. Administration of testosterone effectively reduces gynecomastia.

ANS: A The male breast responds to hormonal changes. Some degree of bilateral or unilateral breast enlargement occurs frequently in boys during puberty. Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects male physical and cognitive development. This is not a manifestation of Klinefelter's syndrome. Administration of estrogen or testosterone will have no effect on the reduction of breast tissue and may aggravate the condition.

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

ANS: A The parents should be allowed to remain with their child after the death. The nurse can remove all of the tubes and equipment and offer the parents the option of preparing the body. This is an important part of the grieving process and should be allowed if the parents desire it. It is important for the nurse to ascertain if the family has any special needs. None of the other options adequately meet the parent's need to grieve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANS: A When the child reaches the terminal stage, the nurse and physician should explore the family's wishes. The family should help decide what interventions will occur as they plan for their child's death. None of the other options address the parent's need to be involved effectively in their child's care.

The nurse is caring for an adolescent diagnosed with acute cocaine toxicity. Initial data collection should include what focus? a. Mode of administration. b. Actual content of the drug. c. Function the drug plays in the adolescent's life. d. Adolescent's level of interest in rehabilitation.

ANS: A When the drug is questionable or unknown, every effort must be made to determine the type, amount of drug taken, the mode and time of administration, and factors relating to the onset of presenting symptoms. Because the actual content of most street drugs is highly questionable, this information would be difficult to obtain. It is helpful to know the pattern of use but not essential during this emergency. This is an inappropriate time for an evaluation about the level of interest in rehabilitation.

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

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

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

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

A school nurse is conducting a class with adolescents on suicide. Which true statement about suicide should the nurse include in the teaching session? a. A sense of hopelessness and despair are a normal part of adolescence. b. Gay and lesbian adolescents are at a particularly high risk for suicide. c. Problem-solving skills are of limited value to the suicidal adolescent. d. Previous suicide attempts are not an indication of risk for completed suicides.

ANS: B A significant number of teenage suicides occur among homosexual youths. Gay and lesbian adolescents who live in families or communities that do not accept homosexuality are likely to suffer low self-esteem, self-loathing, depression, and hopelessness as a result of a lack of acceptance from their family or community. At-risk teenagers include those who are depressed, have poor problem-solving skills, or use drugs and alcohol. History of previous suicide attempt is a serious indicator for possible suicide completion in the future.

Which statement is the most appropriate advice to give parents of a 16 year old who is rebellious? a. "You need to be stricter so that your teen stops trying to test the limits." b. "You need to collaborate with your child and set limits that are perceived as being reasonable." c. "Increasing your teen's involvement with peers will improve his/her self-esteem." d. "Allow your teenager to choose the type of discipline that is used in your home."

ANS: B Allowing teenagers to choose between realistic options and offering consistent and structured discipline typically enhances cooperation and decreases rebelliousness. Structure helps adolescents to feel more secure and assists them in the decision-making process. Setting stricter limits typically does not decrease rebelliousness or decrease testing of parental limits. Increasing peer involvement does not typically increase self-esteem.

Which behavior is considered an approach behavior in parents of chronically ill children? a. Inability to adjust to a progression of the disease or condition. b. Anticipation of future problems and seeking guidance and answers. c. Looking for new cures without a perspective toward possible benefit. d. Failing to recognize seriousness of child's condition despite physical evidence.

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

An 8-year-old will soon be able to return to school after an injury that resulted in several severe, chronic disabilities. What is the most appropriate action by the school nurse to help assure a smooth transition back to school? a. Recommending that the child's parents attend school at first to prevent teasing b. Preparing the child's classmates and teachers for changes they can expect c. Referring the child to a school where the children have chronic disabilities similar to hers d. Discussing with both the child and the parents the fact that classmates will not likely be as accepting as before

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

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

ANS: B Because of egocentricity, the preschooler may feel guilty and responsible for the death. Preschoolers usually have some understanding of the meaning of death. Death is seen as a departure or some kind of sleep and they have no understanding of the permanence of death. None of the other statements accurately describe the usually preschoolers reaction to death.

Which statement is most descriptive of central nervous system stimulants? a. They produce strong physical dependence. b. They can result in strong psychologic dependence. c. Withdrawal symptoms are life threatening. d. Acute intoxication can lead to coma.

ANS: B Central nervous system stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine produce a strong psychologic dependence. This class of drugs does not produce strong physical dependence and can be withdrawn without much danger. Acute intoxication leads to violent, aggressive behavior, or psychotic episodes characterized by paranoia, uncontrollable agitation, and restlessness.

Which behavior suggests appropriate psychosocial development in the adolescent? a. The adolescent seeks validation for socially acceptable behavior from older adults. b. The adolescent is self-absorbed and self-centered and has sudden mood swings. c. Adolescents move from peers and enjoy spending time with family members. d. Conformity with the peer group increases in late adolescence.

ANS: B During adolescence, energy is focused within. Adolescents concentrate on themselves in an effort to determine who they are or who they will be. Adolescents are likely to be impulsive and impatient. Parents often describe their teenager as being "self-centered" or "lazy." The peer group validates acceptable behavior during adolescence. Adolescents move from family and enjoy spending time with peers. Adolescents also spend time alone; they need this time to think and concentrate on themselves. Conformity becomes less important in late adolescence.

Which predisposes the adolescent to feel an increased need for sleep? a. An inadequate diet b. Rapid physical growth c. Decreased activity that contributes to a feeling of fatigue d. The lack of ambition typical of this age-group

ANS: B During growth spurts, the need for sleep is increased. Rapid physical growth, the tendency toward overexertion, and the overall increased activity of this age contribute to fatigue. None of the other options have the same or greater influence of sleep needs as so physical growth.

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

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

Families progress through various stages of reactions when a child is diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability. After the shock phase, a period of adjustment usually follows that may be characterized by what reaction? a. Anger b. Overprotectiveness c. Social reintegration d. Guilt

ANS: B For most families, the adjustment phase is accompanied by several responses that are normally part of the adjustment process. Overprotectiveness, rejection, denial, or gradual acceptance are common reactions. The initial diagnosis of a chronic illness or disability often is often met with intense emotion and characterized by guilt and anger. Social reintegration is the culmination of the adjustment process.

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

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

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

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

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

ANS: B Parental anger after the diagnosis of a child with a chronic disability is a common response. One of the most common targets for parental anger is members of the staff. The nurse should recognize the common response of anger to the diagnosis and allow the family to express their feelings and emotions. "What is really wrong?" "Yelling at me will not change things," and "I will come back when you settle down" are all possible responses, but they are not addressing the parent's need to express their anger effectively.

Lindsey, age 5 years with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, will be starting kindergarten next month and will be placed in a special education classroom. The parents are tearful when telling the nurse about this and state that they did not realize that their child's disability was so severe. How should the nurse interpret this parental response? a. This is a sign that parents are in denial. b. This is a normal anticipated time of parental stress. c. The parents need to learn more about cerebral palsy. d. The parents are used to having expectations that are too high.

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

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

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

The nurse is completing a health history with a 16-year-old male. He informs the nurse that he has started using smokeless tobacco after he plays baseball. Which information regarding smokeless tobacco would be most correct for the nurse to provide to this teen? a. This form of nicotine is not addicting. b. It has been proven to be carcinogenic. c. It is a much easy habit to stop. d. It is a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.

ANS: B Smokeless tobacco is a popular substitute for cigarettes and poses serious health hazards to children and adolescents. Smokeless tobacco is associated with cancer of the mouth and jaw. Smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as cigarettes. Although teens believe that it is easy to stop using smokeless tobacco, this is not the case. A popular belief is that smokeless tobacco is a safe alternative to cigarettes; this has been proven incorrect. Half of all teens who use smokeless tobacco agree that it poses significant health risks.

A 17 year old tells the nurse that he/she is not having sex because it would make his/her parents very angry. This response indicates that the adolescent has a developmental lag in which area? a. Cognitive development b. Moral development c. Psychosocial development d. Psychosexual development

ANS: B The appropriate moral development for a 17 year old would include evidence that the teenager has internalized a value system and does not depend on parents to determine right and wrong behaviors. Adolescents who remain concrete thinkers may never advance beyond conformity to please others and avoid punishment. Cognitive development is related to moral development, but it is not the pivotal point in determining right and wrong behaviors. Identity formation is the psychosocial development task. Energy is focused within the adolescent, who exhibits behavior that is self-absorbed and egocentric. Although a task during adolescence is the development of a sexual identity, the teenager's dependence on the parents' sanctioning of right or wrong behavior is more appropriately related to moral development.

At the time of a child's death, the nurse tells his mother, "We will miss him so much." What does this statement indicate about the nurse? a. Pretending to be experiencing grief. b. Expressing personal feelings of loss. c. Denying the mother's sense of loss. d. Talking when listening would be better.

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

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

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

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial task of adolescence? a. Intimacy b. Identity c. Initiative d. Independence

ANS: B Traditional psychosocial theory holds that the developmental crises of adolescence lead to the formation of a sense of identity. Intimacy is the developmental stage for early adulthood. Initiative is the developmental stage for early childhood. Independence is not one of Erikson's developmental stages

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

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

A nurse is caring for an adolescent hospitalized for cellulitis. The nurse notes that the adolescent experiences many "mood swings" throughout the day. The nurse interprets this behavior as: a. requiring a referral to a mental health counselor. b. requiring some further laboratory testing. c. normal behavior. d. related to feelings of depression.

ANS: C Adolescents vacillate in their emotional states between considerable maturity and child-like behavior. One minute they are exuberant and enthusiastic; the next minute they are depressed and withdrawn. Because of these mood swings, adolescents are frequently labeled as unstable, inconsistent, and unpredictable, but the behavior is normal. The behavior would not require a referral to a mental health counselor or further laboratory testing. The mood swings do not indicate depression.

Which hormone is responsible for the growth of beard, mustache, and body hair in the males? a. Estrogen b. Pituitary hormone c. Androgen d. Progesterone

ANS: C Beard, mustache, and body hair on the chest, upward along the linea alba, and sometimes on other areas (e.g., back and shoulders) appears in males and is androgen dependent. Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries in the female and do not contribute to body hair appearance in the male. The pituitary hormone does not have any relationship to body hair appearance in the male.

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

ANS: C By age 9 to 11 years, children have an adult concept of death. They realize that it is inevitable, universal, and irreversible. Preschoolers and young school-age children are too young to have an adult concept of death. Adolescents have a mature understanding of death.

21. The parents of a 15-year-old girl are concerned that their adolescent spends too much time looking in the mirror. Which statement is the most appropriate for the nurse to make? a. "Your teenager needs clearer and stricter limits about her behavior." b. "Your teenager needs more responsibility at home." c. "During adolescence this behavior is not unusual." d. "The behavior is abnormal and needs further investigation."

ANS: C Egocentric and narcissistic behavior is normal during this period of development. The teenager is seeking a personal identity. Stricter limits are not an appropriate response for a behavior that is part of normal development. More responsibility at home is not an appropriate response for this situation. The behavior is normal and needs no further investigation.

A 16 year old diagnosed with a chronic illness has recently become rebellious and is taking risks such as missing doses of his medication. What information should the nurse provide the parents to help explain their child's behavior? a. The child at this age requires more discipline. b. At this age, children need more socialization with peers. c. This behavior is seen as a normal part of adolescence. d. This is how the child is asking for more parental involvement in managing stress.

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

Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate to a 15 year old whose friend has mentioned suicide? a. "Tell your friend to come to the clinic immediately." b. "You need to gather details about your friend's suicide plan." c. "Your friend's threat needs to be taken seriously and immediate help for your friend is important." d. "If your friend mentions suicide a second time, you will want to get your friend some help."

ANS: C Suicide is the third most common cause of death among American adolescents. A suicide threat from an adolescent serves as a dramatic message to others and should be taken seriously. Adolescents at risk should be targeted for supportive guidance and counseling before a crisis occurs. Instructing a 15 year old to tell a friend to come to the clinic immediately provides the teen with limited information and does not address the concern. It is important to determine whether a person threatening suicide has a plan of action; however, the best information for the 15 year old to have is that all threats of suicide should be taken seriously and immediate help is important. Taking time to gather details or waiting until the teen discusses it a second time may be too late.

Which statement best describes Tanner staging? a. Predictable stages of puberty that are based on chronologic age. b. Staging of puberty based on the initiation of menarche and nocturnal emissions. c. Predictable stages of puberty that are based on primary and secondary sexual characteristics. d. Staging of puberty based on the initiation of primary sexual characteristics.

ANS: C Tanner sexual-maturing ratings are based on the development of stages of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Tanner stages are not based on chronologic age. The age at which an adolescent enters puberty is variable. The puberty stage in girls begins with breast development. The puberty stage in boys begins with genital enlargement. Primary sexual characteristics are not the sole basis of Tanner staging.

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

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

The father, of a 9 year old diagnosed with several physical disabilities, explains to the nurse that his child concentrates on what he/she can do rather than cannot do and is as independent as possible. How should the nurse's best interpret this statement? a. The father is experiencing denial. b. The father is expressing his own views. c. The child is using an adaptive coping style. d. The child is using a maladaptive coping style.

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

The parents of a 14 year old express concerns about the number of hours their child spends with friends. The nurse explains that peer relationships become more important during adolescence because: a. adolescents dislike their parents. b. adolescents no longer need parental control. c. they provide adolescents with a feeling of belonging. d. they promote a sense of individuality in adolescents.

ANS: C The peer group serves as a strong support to teenagers, providing them with a sense of belonging and strength and power. During adolescence, the parent-child relationship changes from one of protection-dependency to one of mutual affection and quality. Parents continue to play an important role in personal and health-related decisions. The peer group forms the transitional world between dependence and autonomy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In girls, what is the initial indication of puberty? a. Menarche b. Growth spurt c. Growth of pubic hair d. Breast development

ANS: D In most girls, the initial indication of puberty is the appearance of breast buds, an event known as the larche. The usual sequence of secondary sexual characteristic development in girls is breast changes, rapid increase in height and weight, growth of pubic hair, appearance of axillary hair, menstruation, and abrupt deceleration of linear growth.

Which statement is most descriptive of bulimia during adolescence? a. Strong sense of control over eating behavior b. Feelings of elation after the binge-purge cycle c. Profound lack of awareness that the eating pattern is abnormal d. Weight that can be normal, slightly above normal, or below normal

ANS: D Individuals with bulimia are of normal weight or more commonly slightly above normal weight. Those who also restrict their intake can become severely underweight. Behavior related to this eating disorder is secretive, frenzied, and out of control. These cycles are followed by self-deprecating thoughts and a depressed mood. These young women are keenly aware that this eating pattern is abnormal.

When planning care for adolescents, the nurse should consider which intervention? a. Teach parents first, and they, in turn, will teach the teenager. b. Provide information for their long-term health needs because teenagers respond best to long-range planning. c. Maintain the parents' role by providing explanations for treatment and procedures to the parents only. d. Give information privately to adolescents about how they can manage the specific problems that they identify.

ANS: D Problems that teenagers identify and are interested in are typically the problems that they are the most willing to address. Confidentiality is important to adolescents. Adolescents prefer to confer privately (without parents) with the nurse and health care provider. Teenagers are socially and cognitively at the developmental stage where the health care provider can teach them. The nurse must keep in mind that teenagers are more interested in immediate health care needs than in long-term needs.

Which symptoms should the nurse expect to observe during the physical assessment of an adolescent girl with severe weight loss and disrupted metabolism associated with anorexia nervosa? a. Dysmenorrhea and oliguria b. Tachycardia and tachypnea c. Heat intolerance and increased blood pressure d. Lowered body temperature and brittle nails

ANS: D Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include lower body temperature, severe weight loss, decreased blood pressure, dry skin, brittle nails, altered metabolic activity, and presence of lanugo hair. Amenorrhea, rather than dysmenorrhea, and cold intolerance are manifestations of anorexia nervosa. Bradycardia, rather than tachycardia, may be present.

A 14 years old, mentions that he now has to use deodorant but never had to before. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge? a. Eccrine sweat glands in the axillae become fully functional during puberty. b. Sebaceous glands become extremely active during puberty. c. New deposits of fatty tissue insulate the body and cause increased sweat production. d. Apocrine sweat glands reach secretory capacity during puberty.

ANS: D The apocrine sweat glands, nonfunctional in children, reach secretory capacity during puberty. They secrete a thick substance as a result of emotional stimulation that, when acted on by surface bacteria, becomes highly odoriferous. They are limited in distribution and grow in conjunction with hair follicles in the axillae, genital and anal areas, and other areas. Eccrine sweat glands are present almost everywhere on the skin and become fully functional and respond to emotional and thermal stimulation. Sebaceous glands become extremely active at this time, especially those on the genitals and the "flush" areas of the body, such as face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. This increased activity is important in the development of acne. New deposits of fatty tissue insulate the body and cause increased sweat production, but this is not the etiology of apocrine sweat gland activity.

15. How may anorexia nervosa best be described? a. Occurring most frequently in adolescent males. b. Occurring most frequently in adolescents from lower socioeconomic groups. c. Resulting from a posterior pituitary disorder. d. Resulting in severe weight loss in the absence of obvious physical causes.

ANS: D The etiology of anorexia remains unclear, but a distinct psychologic component is present. The diagnosis is based primarily on psychologic and behavioral criteria. Anorexia nervosa is observed more commonly in adolescent girls and young women. It does not occur most frequently in adolescents from a lower socioeconomic group. In reality, anorexic adolescents are often from families of means who have high parental expectations for achievement. Anorexia is a psychiatric disorder.

An adolescent boy tells the nurse that he has recently had homosexual feelings. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge? a. This indicates that the adolescent is homosexual. b. This indicates that the adolescent will become homosexual as an adult. c. The adolescent should be referred for psychotherapy. d. The adolescent should be encouraged to share his feelings and experiences.

ANS: D These adolescents are at increased risk for health-damaging behaviors, not because of the sexual behavior itself, but because of society's reaction to the behavior. The nurse's first priority is to give the young man permission to discuss his feelings about this topic, knowing that the nurse will maintain confidentially, appreciate his feelings, and remain sensitive to his need to talk it. In recent studies among self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, many of the adolescents report changing their self-labels one or more times during their adolescence.

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

ANS: D This is one of the definitions of palliative care. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the highest possible quality of life for patients and their families. Curative care would infer providing a cure for the disease or disorder while restorative care involves measures to regain past abilities. Dying care generally refers to the care of an individual in the final stage of life.

The nurse, talking with the tearful parent of a child newly diagnosed with a chronic illness, asks, "Who do you talk with when something is worrying you?" What is the purpose of this statement? a. Inappropriate, because parent is so upset. b. A diversion of the present crisis to similar situations with which parent has dealt. c. An intervention to find someone to help parent. d. Part of assessing parent's available support system.

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

The weight loss of anorexia nervosa is often triggered by what event? a. Sexual abuse b. School failure c. Independence from family d. Traumatic interpersonal conflict

ANS: D Weight loss may be triggered by a typical adolescent crisis such as the onset of menstruation or a traumatic interpersonal incident; situations of severe family stress such as parental separation or divorce; or circumstances in which the young person lacks personal control, such as being teased, changing schools, or entering college. There may in fact be a history of sexual abuse; however, this is not the trigger. These adolescents are often overachievers who are successful in school, not failures in school. The adolescent is most often enmeshed with his or her family.