PEDS Chapter34-Caring for the Special Needs Child

Which would be least appropriate to include in the discharge plan for a medically fragile child? A) Assisting with referrals for financial support B) Arranging for necessary care equipment and supplies C) Assessing the family's home environment D) Encouraging passive caregiving

D) Encouraging passive caregiving As part of the discharge plan for a medically fragile child, the nurse would encourage active caregiving by the parents to help them increase their self-confidence in the child's care. Assisting with referrals, arranging for equipment and supplies, and determining the adequacy of the home environment are important aspects of the discharge plan.

A 7-year-old boy has reentered the hospital for the second time in a month. Which intervention is particularly important at this time? A) Assessing his parents' coping abilities B) Seeking his parents' input about their child's needs C) Educating his family about the procedure D) Notifying the care team about his hospitalization

A) Assessing his parents' coping abilities Transition times, such as when the child reenters the hospital, create additional stress on the parents and child. Assessing the parents' coping abilities is particularly important at this time.

The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old girl with special care needs in the hospital. Which intervention would have the most positive effect on this child? A) Taking her on an adventure down the hall B) Helping her do a simple craft project C) Introducing her to children in the playroom D) Limiting the staff providing care for her

A) Taking her on an adventure down the hall Preschool-age children need to develop a sense of initiative, and helping the child to explore her area of the hospital would help accomplish this developmental need.

A child is admitted to the hospital with a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis below the level of the waist. When should the nurse begin planning with the parents for rehabilitation placement for this child after acute hospitalization? A) After hospitalization when the parents are ready B) As soon after the patient is admitted as possible C) When the child starts showing improvement in their condition D) Once the child and the parent feel it is time to seek extended care

B) As soon after the patient is admitted as possible It is important to begin planning for discharge to a rehabilitation facility as soon as possible so that all necessary arrangements can be made prior to discharge. Waiting until the parent or child feel the time is right or waiting until improvement is noted may not leave enough time for thorough discharge planning.

The nurse is providing home care for the family of an 8-year-old boy who is dying of leukemia. Which action will be most supportive to the parents of the child? A) Encouraging organ and tissue donation B) Being patient with parental indecision C) Getting prior authorization for treatments D) Explaining how anorexia is a natural process

B) Being patient with parental indecision It is critical to be patient with parents who may vacillate when making decisions. Give them the information and time they need to make decisions and avoid being judgmental. Explaining about anorexia and encouraging organ donation may be discussed when the parents indicate they are concerned. Getting prior authorization facilitates care delivery and is not a supportive intervention.

The nurse is helping a 20-year-old woman transition to adult care. Which would be the most important role of the nurse following a successful transition? A) Teacher B) Consultant C) Care provider D) Advocate

B) Consultant Transition planning involves multidisciplinary care coordination; acknowledgment of the changing roles among the youth, family, and health care professionals; and fostering of the youth's self-determination skills. - Prior to transition, educating the client is the most important role of the nurse. - After the transition, the nurse serves as a consultant to the adult office in relation to the teen's needs. The nurse consults with a transition services coordinator or other service agency as available in the local community.

The nurse is caring for medically fragile children in a hospital setting. What nursing role has the greatest impact on the child and family when caring for this population? A) Teacher B) Advocate C) Coordinator D) Caregiver

A) Teacher While the infant or child is still in the hospital, nurses can help parents build on their strengths, empowering them to care for their medically fragile infant or special needs child. Education is paramount and should begin as early in the hospitalization as possible. - The advocate, coordinator, and caregiver roles are also important for the nurse caring for this population; however, empowering the parents to care for their children through education is the most important role

The parents of a child with physical and developmental special needs state, "We wish our child could get some kind of educational experience." How should the nurse respond? A) "This must be difficult for you. Let's talk with the social worker to see what programs are available for your child." B) "I am sure it must be difficult to know that your child will never be able to go to school like other children." C) "Since all children can attend school regardless of their special need, I suggest you talk with your local school about enrolling your child." D) "It would be very difficult for your child to attend school with all of their disabilities. It's unfortunate, but it is reality."

A) "This must be difficult for you. Let's talk with the social worker to see what programs are available for your child." Education is federally mandated. Contacting the social worker gives the parents the support they need to find and choose the appropriate school. Telling them to contact their local school is not supportive of the parent's needs.

The nurse caring for young children in a hospice setting is aware of the following statistics related to the occurrence of death in children. Which statement accurately reflects one of these statistics? A) Congenital defects and traumatic injuries are the more common causes of diseases leading to deat B) It is unusual for a child's chronic illness to progress to the point of becoming a terminal illness. C) Despite strides made, diabetes remains the leading cause of death from disease in all children older than the age of 1 year.

A) Congenital defects and traumatic injuries are the more common causes of diseases leading to death Diseases can lead to terminal illness in children, with congenital defects and traumatic injuries being the more common causes. Each year, about 45,000 children die in the United States; of those, about 24,500 are infants (Heron et al., 2013). In many cases, a child's chronic illness may progress to the point of becoming a terminal illness. Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease in all children older than the age of 1 year (Heron et al., 2013).

The nurse is caring for a special needs infant. Which intervention will be most important in helping the child reach her maximum developmental potential? A) Directing her parents to an early intervention program B) Monitoring her progress in elementary school C) Serving on an individualized education program committee D) Preparing a plan for her to transition to college

A) Directing her parents to an early intervention program Early intervention is critical to maximizing the child's developmental potential by laying the foundation for health and development. While important, intervention in elementary or secondary school does not have the impact of early intervention. When the time arrives, it is important to have a written plan for transition to college, if this is a possibility for the grown child.

When providing care to a dying child and his family, which would be most important? A) Focusing on the family as the unit of care B) Teaching the family appropriate care measures C) Offering the child support and encouragement D) Assisting the parents in decision making

A) Focusing on the family as the unit of care When caring for a dying child and his family, the most important aspect of care is focusing on the family as the unit of care. Teaching, offering support, and assisting in decision making are important, but these actions must be implemented while focusing on the family as the unit of care.

The nurse is caring for infants having the condition failure to thrive (FTT). Which of the following infants would be at high risk for this condition? Select all answers that apply. A)A newborn baby with tetralogy of Fallot B) An infant with a cleft palate C) An infant born to a diabetic mother D) An infant born to an impoverished mother E) An infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia F) An infant born to a teenage mother

A,B,D,E A)A newborn baby with tetralogy of Fallot B) An infant with a cleft palate D) An infant born to an impoverished mother E) An infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia Infants and children with cardiac or metabolic disease, chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia), cleft palate, or gastroesophageal reflux disease are at particular risk for FTT. Also, poverty is the single greatest contributing risk factor (Block et al., 2005). An infant born to a diabetic mother or an infant born to a teenage mother does not have increased risk for FTT.

The nurse is caring for families with vulnerable child syndrome. Which situation would be most likely to predispose the family to this condition? A) Having a postterm infant B) Having an infant who is reluctant to feed properly C) Having a child diagnosed with impetigo at age 10 D) Having a child with juvenile diabetes

B) Having an infant who is reluctant to feed properly "Vulnerable child syndrome" is a clinical state in which the parents' reactions to a serious illness or event in the child's past continue to have long-term psychologically harmful effects on the child and parents for many years. Risk factors for the development of vulnerable child syndrome include preterm birth, congenital anomaly, newborn jaundice, handicapping condition, an accident or illness that the child was not expected to recover from, or crying or feeding problems in the first 5 years of life.

The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old girl with special care needs in the hospital. Which intervention would have the most positive effect on this child? A) Taking her on an adventure down the hall B) Helping her do a simple craft project C) Introducing her to children in the playroom D) Limiting the staff providing care for her

B) Helping her do a simple craft project Craft projects and introducing the child to other children would help build a sense of industry and peer relationships, both of which are needs of the school-age.

The parents of an 11-year-old boy who is dying from cancer are concerned that he is not eating. Which intervention would serve both the parents' and child's needs? A) Urging the child to eat one good meal per day B) Serving small meals of things the child likes C) Straightening up around the child before meals D) Administering antiemetics as ordered for nausea

B) Serving small meals of things the child likes The child is more likely to eat small amounts of foods of his choosing. This accommodates the child's reduced appetite, reassures his parents that he is not starving, and gives the child a sense of control. Straightening up the child's area before meals provides a more pleasant eating environment. The use of antiemetics controls nausea but may not increase appetite. Urging the child to eat a substantial meal is unnecessary and creates stress.

When describing organ donation to the family of a dying child, what would the nurse include in the discussion? A) Telling them that further harm may occur to the child through the process B) Tell them that their cultural and religious beliefs will be considered C) Including this topic in the discussion of impending death D) Informing the family that organ donation will delay the funeral

B) Tell them that their cultural and religious beliefs will be considered Feedback: During organ donation, the family's cultural and religious beliefs must be considered, and the team discussing organ donation with the family must do so in a sensitive and ethical manner. The donating child will not suffer further because of organ donation. The topic of organ donation should be separated from the discussion of impending death or brain death notification. Organs are harvested in a timely fashion after the declaration of death so the family need not worry about delay of the wake or funeral.

The nurse is coordinating home care for a 3-year-old girl with special care needs. Which approach provides the greatest benefit to the family of this child? A) Asking the father for his observations on his daughter's progress B) The nurse adjusting her office schedule to be available C) Urging parents to arrange respite care whenever possible D) Monitoring the mother for depression

B) The nurse adjusting her office schedule to be available

The nurse is caring for a child involved in an automobile accident whose family has been informed that the child is brain dead. What teaching might the nurse provide the family regarding organ donation? A) The nurse should ask about organ donation when the family is informed of their child's condition. B) The nurse should explain that written consent is necessary for the organ donation. C) The nurse should make sure the parents know that procurement of organs may mar their child's appearance. D) The nurse should make sure the parents know that they will be responsible for expenses related to organ procurement.

B) The nurse should explain that written consent is necessary for the organ donation. Written consent is necessary for organ donation, so the family must be appropriately informed and educated. The discussion of organ donation should be separate from the discussion of impending death or brain death notification. Families need to know that procurement of the organs does not mar the child's appearance, so that an open casket at the child's funeral is still possible if the family desires. All expenses for organ procurement are borne by the recipient's family, not the donor's.

The parents of a child with a developmental disability tell the nurse that they feel guilty because they sometimes find themselves feeling sad and wondering how their child would be without the disability. Which response by the nurse best shows empathy and encourages the parents to vent their feelings? A) "I'm sure it must be difficult to have a child developmentally delayed." B) "There are lots of parents that are experiencing the difficulty and feelings of hopelessness and grief you're having. Maybe if you talk to someone it might help you both." C) "I can only imagine how hard it is for you. You should know that it is common for parents to have these feelings when having a child with special needs." D) "It's important to focus on the positives that can come from the experience of being the parents of a child that has these issues."

C) "I can only imagine how hard it is for you. You should know that it is common for parents to have these feelings when having a child with special needs." Showing empathy by stating, "I can only imagine how hard it is for you" is important when developing rapport and supporting the parents, and letting them know that they are not alone in the feelings they are experiencing allows them to feel less guilty. Just stating, "I'm sure it must be difficult to have a child developmentally delayed" may convey empathy but it does not allow for open conversation. "There are lots of parents that are experiencing the difficulty and feelings of hopelessness and grief you're having. Maybe if you talk to someone it might help you both" doesn't convey empathy. "It's important to focus on the positives that can come from the experience of being the parents of a child that has these issues" does not address the parents' feelings.

The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old boy who is terminally ill. Which intervention would best meet the needs of this dying child? A) Offer the child decision-making opportunities. B) Provide the child with specific details. C) Assure the child that he did nothing wrong. D) Act as a confidant for the child's concerns.

C) Assure the child that he did nothing wrong. Feedback: The magical thinking of preschool-age children may cause him to think that dying is punishment for doing something wrong. Assuring him that he did nothing wrong is very important. School-age children would benefit from receiving specific details and being given decision-making opportunities. They may also use nurses as their confidants.

The nurse is caring for a toddler with special needs. Which developmental tasks related to toddlerhood might be delayed in the child with special needs? A) Developing body image B) Developing peer relationships C) Developing language and motor skills D) Learning through sensorimotor exploration

C) Developing language and motor skills In special needs children, developmental delays may occur in all stages. In particular, motor and language skill development may be delayed if the toddler is not given adequate opportunities to test his or her limits and abilities.

The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old girl with special health needs. What is the priority intervention for this child? A) Encouraging the parents to promote the child's self-care B) Assessing the child for signs of depression C) Discussing how her care will change as she grows D) Monitoring for compliance with treatment

C) Discussing how her care will change as she grows The priority intervention is monitoring for compliance with treatment. The girl is struggling to fit in with her peers and may try to hide or ignore her illness.

The nurse is teaching a group of parents with premature infants about the various medical and developmental problems that may occur. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the group identifies what as a problem? A) Sudden infant death syndrome B) Hydrocephalus C) Peptic ulcer D) Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

C) Peptic ulcer Gastroesophageal reflux disease, not peptic ulcer, is a medical problem that commonly affects premature infants. - infant death syndrome, hydrocephalus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cardiac changes, growth retardation, nutrient deficiencies, bradycardia, rickets, inguinal or umbilical hernias, visual problems, hearing deficits, delayed dentition, and growth delays.

The nurse is providing palliative care for a 9-year-old boy in hospice. Which is unique to hospice care for children? A) Encouraging visits from friends and family B) Educating parents about terminal dehydration C) Prolonging treatment that might possibly help D) Treating constipation to relieve abdominal pain

C) Prolonging treatment that might possibly help Hospice for children allows for continuation of hopeful treatment so long as certain criteria are met. This is different from adult hospice. Encouraging visits from friends and family, educating parents about terminal dehydration, and treating constipation are common to family-centered care.

The mother of a 7-year-old boy with autism tearfully reports feeling as if she is not qualified to care for her child. Which initial action by the nurse is most appropriate? A) Tell the child's mother that this is a common feeling when caring for a special needs child. B) Encourage the child's mother to keep a journal to best identify areas needing improvement in the home routine. C) Recognize the mother's positive accomplishments in caring for her child. D)Recommend the child's mother seek counseling.

C) Recognize the mother's positive accomplishments in caring for her child. Feedback: Caring for a special needs child can be overwhelming for the parents. Feeling overwhelmed is not uncommon. Recognition of positive outcomes and activities should be performed. The child's mother may indeed benefit from counseling or participation in a support group but it is not of the highest priority. Explaining to the child's mother that others feel the same way does not address her personal concerns. Keeping a journal may be effective but suggestions that this will help improve her performance are not meeting her immediate needs.

The nurse is caring for a preschool child who is receiving palliative care for end-stage cancer. What would be the focus of age-appropriate interventions for this child? A) Providing unconditional love and trust B) Providing a familiar and consistent routine C) Teaching the child that death is not punishment D) Providing specific, honest details of death

C) Teaching the child that death is not punishment Spirituality in the preschool years focuses on the concept of right versus wrong. The 3- to 5-year-old may see death as punishment for wrongdoing, and the nurse must correct this misunderstanding. For the infant, unconditional love and trust are of utmost importance. The toddler, 1 to 3 years old, thrives on familiarity and routine; the nurse should maximize the toddler's time with parents, be consistent, provide favorite toys, and ensure physical comfort. The school-age child has a concrete understanding of death. Children who are 5 to 10 years old need specific, honest details (as desired).

The nurse is reviewing the therapist's documentation in the medical record of an assigned client who has cerebral palsy. The therapist has noted the parents may be experiencing vulnerable child syndrome. Which observation of the family unit best supports this potential diagnosis? A) The parents regularly attend a support group for parents of special needs children. B) The child has been diagnosed with pneumonia twice in the past year. C) The parents report they feel their child requires more therapy than the care team has indicated will be needed. D) The child is schooled at home with a private tutor.

C) The parents report they feel their child requires more therapy than the care team has indicated will be needed. Vulnerable child syndrome is a clinical state in which the parents' reactions to a serious illness or event in the child's past continue to have long-term psychologically harmful effects on the child and members of the family unit. The parents view the child as being at higher risk for medical, developmental, or behavioral problems. Parents exhibit excessive unwarranted concerns and seek health care for their child very frequently. Requests for additional therapy would be consistent with this syndrome. Attendance at a support group is important and does not indicate any underlying pathology. Pneumonia in a child with this diagnosis is not extremely unusual and does not have an increase in likelihood that the vulnerable child syndrome may be involved. Home schooling does not indicate the presence of vulnerable child syndrome.

What would the nurse include in the plan of care for a dying child with pain? A) Administering analgesics as needed B) Using measures the nurse finds comforting C) Playing the television or radio so the child can hear it D) Changing the child's position frequently but gently

D) Changing the child's position frequently but gently Pain management includes changing the child's position frequently but gently to minimize discomfort. Analgesics are given around the clock rather than as needed. The nurse would use measures that the child finds comforting to provide additional relief. A calm environment with minimal noise and light is helpful.

The nurse is providing home care for a 1-year-old girl who is technologically dependent. Which intervention will best support the family process? A) Finding an integrated health program for the family B) Teaching modifications of the medical regimen for vacation C) Assessing family expectations for the special needs child D) Creating schedules for therapies and interventions

D) Creating schedules for therapies and interventions Coordinating care with the schedules and capabilities of the parents provides the greatest support for the family. It gives them a sense of order and control. Integrated health care programs may not be available in the family's area. Teaching therapy modifications for travel and assessing family expectations are not supportive interventions.

The nurse is weighing an underweight infant diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT) and notes that the baby does not make eye contact and is less active than the other infants. What would be a probable cause for the FTT related to the infant's body language? A) Congenital heart defect B) Cleft palate C) Gastroesophageal reflux disease D) Maternal abuse

D) Maternal abuse Infants with FTT related to maternal neglect may avoid eye contact and be less interactive than other infants. Inorganic causes of FTT include neglect, abuse, behavioral problems, lack of appropriate maternal interaction, poor feeding techniques, lack of parental knowledge, or parental mental illness.