PEDS exam 1

1. Place in order the sequence of cephalocaudal development that the nurse expects to find in the infant. Begin with the first development expected, sequencing to the final. Provide answers using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., a, b, c, d). a. Crawl b. Sit unsupported c. Lift head when prone d. Gain complete head control e. Walk

ANS: c, d, b, a, e

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

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

A nurse is preparing to assess a 3-year-old child. What communication technique should the nurse use for this child? a. Focus communication on child. b. Explain experiences of others to child. c. Use easy analogies when possible. d. Assure child that communication is private.

ANS: A Because children of this age are able to see things only in terms of themselves, the best approach is to focus communication directly on them. Children should be provided with information about what they can do and how they will feel. With children who are egocentric, experiences of others, analogies, and assurances that the communication is private will not be effective because the child is not capable of understanding.

The nurse is providing support to parents at the time their child is diagnosed with chronic disabilities. The nurse notices that the parents keep asking the same questions. What is the nurse's best intervention? a. Patiently continue to answer questions. b. Kindly refer them to someone else for answering 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 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. What information about disciple should the nurse's response include? a. It is essential for the child. b. It is too difficult to implement with a special-needs child. c. It is not needed unless the child becomes problematic. d. It is best achieved with punishment for misbehavior.

ANS: A Discipline is essential for the child. It provides boundaries on which to test out their behavior and teaches them socially acceptable behaviors. The nurse should teach the parents ways to manage the child's behavior before it becomes problematic. Punishment is not effective in managing behavior.

A young child is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. What should therapeutic management of this child begin with? a. Intravenous (IV) fluids b. ORS c. Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time d. Administration of antidiarrheal medication

ANS: A In children with severe dehydration, IV fluids are initiated. ORS is acceptable therapy if the dehydration is not severe. Diarrhea is not managed by using clear liquids by mouth. These fluids have a high carbohydrate content, low electrolyte content, and high osmolality. Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea.

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

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

Which is probably the single most important influence on growth at all stages of development? a. Nutrition b. Heredity c. Culture d. Environment

ANS: A Nutrition is the single most important influence on growth. Dietary factors regulate growth at all stages of development, and their effects are exerted in numerous and complex ways. Adequate nutrition is closely related to good health throughout life. Heredity, culture, and environment contribute to the child's growth and development. However, good nutrition is essential throughout the life span for optimal health.

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

ANS: A Parental overprotection is manifested by the parents' fear of letting the child achieve any new skill; they allow the child to avoid all discipline and cater to every desire to prevent frustration. Overprotective parents do not set limits and or institute discipline; prefer to remain in the role of total caregiver; do not allow the child to perform self-care; and do not encourage the child to participate in social and educational activities.

The nurse must assess a 10-month-old infant. The infant is sitting on the father's lap and appears to be afraid of the nurse and of what might happen next. Which initial action by the nurse would be most appropriate? a. Initiate a game of peek-a-boo. b. Ask father to place the infant on the examination table. c. Undress the infant while he is still sitting on his father's lap. d. Talk softly to the infant while taking him from his father.

ANS: A Peek-a-boo is an excellent means of initiating communication with infants while maintaining a safe, nonthreatening distance. The child will most likely become upset if separated from his father. As much of the assessment as possible should be done on the father's lap. The nurse should have the father undress the child as needed for the examination.

Latasha, age 8 years, is being admitted to the hospital from the emergency department with an injury from falling off her bicycle. Which will help her most in her adjustment to the hospital? a. Explain hospital schedules to her, such as mealtimes. b. Use terms such as "honey" and "dear" to show a caring attitude. c. Explain when parents can visit and why siblings cannot come to see her. d. Orient her parents, because she is young, to her room and hospital facility.

ANS: A School-age children need to have control of their environment. The nurse should offer explanations or prepare the child for those experiences that are unavailable. The nurse should refer to the child by the preferred name. Explaining when parents can visit and why siblings cannot come to see her is telling the child all of the limitations, not helping her adjust to the hospital. At the age of 8 years, the child should be oriented to the environment along with the parents.

Which refers to those times in an individual's life when he or she is more susceptible to positive or negative influences? a. Sensitive period b. Sequential period c. Terminal points d. Differentiation points

ANS: A Sensitive periods are limited times during the process of growth when the organism will interact with a particular environment in a specific manner. These times make the organism more susceptible to positive or negative influences. The sequential period, terminal points, and differentiation points are developmental times that do not make the organism more susceptible to environmental interaction.

. A 10-year-old girl needs to have another intravenous (IV) line started. She keeps telling the nurse, "Wait a minute" and "I'm not ready." The nurse should recognize this as which description? a. This is normal behavior for a school-age child. b. The behavior is not seen past the preschool years. c. The child thinks the nurse is punishing her. d. The child has successfully manipulated the nurse in the past.

ANS: A The 10-year-old girl is attempting to maintain control. The nurse should provide the girl with structured choices about when the IV will be inserted. Telling the nurse "Wait a minute" and "I'm not ready" can be characteristic behavior when an individual needs to maintain some control over a situation.

A nurse is admitting a child with Crohn disease. Parents ask the nurse, "How is this disease different from ulcerative colitis?" Which statement should the nurse make when answering this question? a. "With Crohn disease the inflammatory process involves the whole GI tract." b. "There is no difference between the two diseases." c. "The inflammation with Crohn disease is limited to the colon and rectum." d. "Ulcerative colitis is characterized by skip lesions."

ANS: A The chronic inflammatory process of Crohn disease involves any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus but most often affects the terminal ileum. Crohn disease involves all layers of the bowel wall in a discontinuous fashion, meaning that between areas of intact mucosa, there are areas of affected mucosa (skip lesions). The inflammation found with ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum, with the distal colon and rectum the most severely affected. Inflammation affects the mucosa and submucosa and involves continuous segments along the length of the bowel with varying degrees of ulceration, bleeding, and edema.

Why are bismuth subsalicylate, clarithromycin, and metronidazole prescribed for a child with a peptic ulcer? a. Eradicate Helicobacter pylori b. Coat gastric mucosa c. Treat epigastric pain d. Reduce gastric acid production

ANS: A The drug therapy combination of bismuth subsalicylate, clarithromycin, and metronidazole is effective in the treatment of H. pylori and is prescribed to eradicate it.

A nurse is caring for four patients; three are toddlers and one is a preschooler. Which represents the major stressor of hospitalization for these four patients? a. Separation anxiety b. Loss of control c. Fear of bodily injury d. Fear of pain

ANS: A The major stressor for children from infancy through the preschool years is separation anxiety, also called anaclitic depression. This is a major stressor of hospitalization. Loss of control, fear of bodily injury, and fear of pain are all stressors associated with hospitalization. However, separation from family is a primary stressor in this age group.

The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a 10-year-old girl. The nurse gives her the option of her mother either staying in the room or leaving. How should this action be interpreted? a. Appropriate because of child's age b. Appropriate because mother would be uncomfortable making decisions for child c. Inappropriate because of child's age d. Inappropriate because child is same sex as mother

ANS: A The older school-age child should be given the option of having the parent present or not. During the examination, the nurse should respect the child's need for privacy. Although the question was appropriate for the child's age, the mother is responsible for making decisions for the child. It is appropriate because of the child's age. During the examination, the nurse must respect the child's privacy. The child should help determine who is present during the examination.

The nurse is caring for a child who has just died. The parents ask to be left alone so that they can rock their child one more time. What is the nurse's most appropriate response? a. Grant their request b. Assess why they feel 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 the tubes and equipment and offer the parents the option of preparing the body.

An infant gains head control before sitting unassisted. The nurse recognizes that this is which type of development? a. Cephalocaudal b. Proximodistal c. Mass to specific d. Sequential

ANS: A The pattern of development that is head-to-tail, or cephalocaudal, direction is described by an infant's ability to gain head control before sitting unassisted. The head end of the organism develops first and is large and complex, whereas the lower end is smaller and simpler, and development takes place at a later time. Proximodistal, or near to far, is another pattern of development. Limb buds develop before fingers and toes. Postnatally, the child has control of the shoulder before achieving mastery of the hands. Mass to specific is not a specific pattern of development. In all dimensions of growth, a definite, sequential pattern is followed.

Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention to promote normalization in a school-age child with a chronic illness? a. Give the child as much control as possible. b. Ask the child's peer to make the child feel normal. c. Convince the 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. How should the nurse interpret these feelings? 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.

The nurse is caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula. What nursing care should be included? a. Elevate the head but give nothing by mouth. b. Elevate the head for feedings. c. Feed glucose water only. d. Avoid suctioning unless infant is cyanotic.

ANS: A When a newborn is suspected of having a tracheoesophageal fistula, the most desirable position is supine with the head elevated on an inclined plane of at least 30 degrees. It is imperative that any source of aspiration be removed at once; oral feedings are withheld. Feedings should not be given to infants suspected of having tracheoesophageal fistulas. The oral pharynx should be kept clear of secretion by oral suctioning. This is to prevent the cyanosis that is usually the result of laryngospasm caused by overflow of saliva into the larynx.

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.

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

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

Play serves many purposes. In teaching parents about appropriate activities, the nurse should inform them that play serves which of the following function? (Select all that apply.) a. Intellectual development b. Physical development c. Socialization d. Creativity e. Temperament development

ANS: A, C, D A common statement is that play is the work of childhood. Intellectual development is enhanced through the manipulation and exploration of objects. Socialization is encouraged by interpersonal activities and learning of social roles. In addition, creativity is developed through the experimentation characteristic of imaginative play. Physical development depends on many factors; play is not one of them. Temperament refers to behavioral tendencies that are observable from the time of birth. The actual behaviors, but not the child's temperament attributes, may be modified through play.

A child has just been unexpectedly admitted to the intensive care unit after abdominal surgery. The nursing staff has completed the admission process, and the child's condition is beginning to stabilize. When speaking with the parents, the nurses should expect which stressors to be evident? (Select all that apply.) a. Unfamiliar environment b. Usual day-night routine c. Strange smells d. Provision of privacy e. Inadequate knowledge of condition and routine

ANS: A, C, E Intensive care units, especially when the family is unprepared for the admission, are a strange and unfamiliar place with many pieces of unfamiliar equipment. The sights and sounds are much different from those of a general hospital unit. Also, with the child's condition being more precarious, it may be difficult to keep the parents updated and knowledgeable about what is happening. Lights are usually on around the clock, seriously disrupting the diurnal rhythm. There is usually little privacy available for families in intensive care units.

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

ANS: B

When the nurse interviews an adolescent, which is especially important? a. Focus the discussion on the peer group. b. Allow an opportunity to express feelings. c. Emphasize that confidentiality will always be maintained. d. Use the same type of language as the adolescent.

ANS: B Adolescents, like all children, need an opportunity to express their feelings. Often they will interject feelings into their words. The nurse must be alert to the words and feelings expressed. Although the peer group is important to this age group, the focus of the interview should be on the adolescent. The nurse should clarify which information will be shared with other members of the health care team and any limits to confidentiality. The nurse should maintain a professional relationship with adolescents. To avoid misinterpretation of words and phrases that the adolescent may use, the nurse should clarify terms frequently.

The nurse is meeting a 5-year-old child for the first time and would like the child to cooperate during a dressing change. The nurse decides to do a simple magic trick using gauze. How should this action be interpreted? a. Inappropriate, because of child's age b. A way to establish rapport c. Too distracting, when cooperation is important d. Acceptable, if there is adequate time

ANS: B A magic trick or other simple game may help alleviate anxiety for a 5-year-old. It is an excellent method to build rapport and facilitate cooperation during a procedure. Magic tricks appeal to the natural curiosity of young children. The nurse should establish rapport with the child. Failure to do so may cause the procedure to take longer and be more traumatic.

At the time of a child's death, the nurse tells his mother, "We will miss him so much." What is the best interpretation of this statement? 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 A patient's death is one of the most stressful aspects of critical care or oncology nursing. 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.

What is an appropriate nursing intervention to minimize separation anxiety in a hospitalized toddler? a. Provide for privacy b. Encourage parents to room in c. Explain procedures and routines d. Encourage contact with children the same age

ANS: B A toddler experiences separation anxiety secondary to being separated from the parents. To avoid this, the parents should be encouraged to room in as much as possible. Maintaining routines and ensuring privacy are helpful interventions, but they would not substitute for the parents. Encouraging contact with children the same age would not substitute for having the parents present.

Kelly, an 8-year-old girl, will soon be able to return to school after an injury that resulted in several severe, chronic disabilities. Which is the most appropriate action by the school nurse? a. Recommend that the child's parents attend school at first to prevent teasing. b. Prepare the child's classmates and teachers for changes they can expect. c. Refer the child to a school where the children have chronic disabilities similar to hers. d. Discuss with the child and her parents the fact that her classmates will not accept her as they did before.

ANS: B Attendance at school is an important part of normalization for Kelly. The school nurse should prepare teachers and classmates about her condition, abilities, and special needs. A visit by the parents can be helpful, but unless the classmates are prepared for the changes, it alone will not prevent teasing. Kelly's school experience should be normalized as much as possible. Children need the opportunity to interact with healthy peers, as well as to 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 to participate according to their capabilities.

Which best describes how preschoolers react to the death of a loved one? a. A preschooler is too young to have a concept of death. b. A preschooler may 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.

A school nurse notes that school-age children generally obey the rules at school. The nurse recognizes that the children are displaying which stage of moral development? a. Preconventional b. Conventional c. Postconventional d. Undifferentiated

ANS: B Conventional stage of moral development is described as obeying the rules, doing one's duty, showing respect for authority, and maintaining the social order. This stage is characteristic of school-age children's behavior. The preconventional stage is characteristic of the toddler and preschool age. At this stage, the child has no concept of the basic moral order that supports being good or bad. The postconventional level is characteristic of an adolescent and occurs at the formal stage of operation. Undifferentiated describes an infant's understanding of moral development.

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

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 hospitalizations, and helping parents learn special care needs of their child should be practiced as part of family-centered care. It does not necessarily foster autonomy. Exposing the child to pleasurable experiences, especially sensory ones, is a supportive intervention. It does not promote autonomy.

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

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

A 12-year-old child enjoys collecting stamps, playing soccer, and participating in Boy Scout activities. The nurse recognizes that the child is displaying which developmental task? a. Identity b. Industry c. Integrity d. Intimacy

ANS: B Industry is engaging in tasks that can be carried through to completion, learning to compete and cooperate with others, and learning rules. Industry is the developmental task characteristic of the school-age child. Identity is the developmental task of adolescence. Integrity and intimacy are not developmental tasks of childhood.

Enemas are ordered to empty the bowel preoperatively for a child with Hirschsprung disease. What enema solution should be used? a. Tap water b. Normal saline c. Oil retention d. Phosphate preparation

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

Lindsey, age 5 years, will be starting kindergarten next month. She has cerebral palsy, and it has been determined that she needs to be in a special education classroom. Her parents are tearful when telling the nurse about this and state that they did not realize her disability was so severe. What is the best interpretation of this situation? a. This is a sign 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 stressful for parents. There are anticipated times that parental stress increases.

The nurse observes some children in the playroom. Which play situation exhibits the characteristics of parallel play? a. Kimberly and Amanda sharing clay to each make things b. Brian playing with his truck next to Kristina playing with her truck c. Adam playing a board game with Kyle, Steven, and Erich d. Danielle playing with a music box on her mother's lap

ANS: B Playing with trucks next to each other but not together is an example of parallel play. Both children are engaged in similar activities in proximity to each other; however, they are each engaged in their own play. Sharing clay to make things is characteristic of associative play. Friends playing a board game together is characteristic of cooperative play. A child playing with something by herself on her mother's lap is an example of solitary play.

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 or disability or are being punished for wrongdoings. Toddlers are focused on establishing their autonomy. The illness will foster dependence. The school-age child will have limited opportunities for achievement and may not be able to understand limitations. Adolescents face the task of incorporating their disabilities into their changing self-concept.

Amy, age 6 years, needs to be hospitalized again because of a chronic illness. The clinic nurse overhears her school-age siblings tell her, "We are sick of Mom always sitting with you in the hospital and playing with you. It isn't fair that you get everything and we have to stay with the neighbors." Which is the nurse's best assessment of this situation? a. The siblings are immature and probably spoiled. b. Jealousy and resentment are common reactions to the illness or hospitalization of a sibling. c. Family has ineffective coping mechanisms to deal with chronic illness. d. The siblings need to better understand their sister's illness and needs.

ANS: B Siblings experience loneliness, fear, and worry, as well as anger, resentment, jealousy, and guilt. The siblings experience stress equal to that of the hospitalized child. There is no evidence that the family has maladaptive coping mechanisms.

A 4-month-old infant has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) but is thriving without other complications. Which should the nurse suggest to minimize reflux? a. Place in Trendelenburg position after eating. b. Thicken formula with rice cereal. c. Give continuous nasogastric tube feedings. d. Give larger, less frequent feedings.

ANS: B Small, frequent feedings of formula combined with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of rice cereal per ounce of formula have been recommended. Milk-thickening agents have been shown to decrease the number of episodes of vomiting and to increase the caloric density of the formula. This may benefit infants who are underweight as a result of GER disease. Placing the child in a Trendelenburg position would increase the reflux. Continuous nasogastric feedings are reserved for infants with severe reflux and failure to thrive.

The nurse is taking a health history on an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined? a. Ask for detailed listing of symptoms. b. Ask adolescent, "Why did you come here today?" c. Use what adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is. d. Interview parent away from adolescent to determine chief complaint.

ANS: B The chief complaint is the specific reason for the child's visit to the clinic, office, or hospital. Because the adolescent is the focus of the history, this is an appropriate way to determine the chief complaint. A detailed listing of symptoms will make it difficult to determine the chief complaint. The adolescent should be prompted to tell which symptom caused him to seek help at this time. The chief complaint is usually written in the words that the parent or adolescent uses to describe the reason for seeking help. The parent and adolescent may be interviewed separately, but the nurse should determine the reason the adolescent is seeking attention at this time.

The nurse is caring for a child admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. Which is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort? a. Place in Trendelenburg position. b. Allow to assume position of comfort. c. Apply moist heat to the abdomen. d. Administer a saline enema to cleanse bowel.

ANS: B The child should be allowed to take a position of comfort, usually with the legs flexed. The Trendelenburg position will not help with the discomfort. In any instance in which appendicitis is a possibility, there is a danger in administering a laxative or enemas or applying heat to the area. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of perforation.

What should the nurse consider when discussing language development with parents of toddlers? a. Sentences by toddlers include adverbs and adjectives. b. The toddler expresses himself or herself with verbs or combination words. c. The toddler uses simple sentences. d. Pronouns are used frequently by the toddler.

ANS: B The first parts of speech used are nouns, sometimes verbs (e.g., "go"), and combination words (e.g., "bye-bye"). Responses are usually structurally incomplete during the toddler period. The preschool child begins to use adjectives and adverbs to qualify nouns followed by adverbs to qualify nouns and verbs. Pronouns are not added until the later preschool years. By the time children enter school, they are able to use simple, structurally complete sentences that average five to seven words.

Parents of an 8-year-old child ask the nurse how many inches their child should grow each year. The nurse bases the answer on the knowledge that after age 7 years, school-age children usually grow what number of inches per year? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

ANS: B The growth velocity after age 7 years is approximately 5 cm (2 inches) per year.

A mother who intended to breastfeed has given birth to an infant with a cleft palate. What nursing interventions should be included? a. Giving medication to suppress lactation. b. Encouraging and helping mother to breastfeed. c. Teaching mother to feed breast milk by gavage. d. Recommending use of a breast pump to maintain lactation until infant can suck.

ANS: B The mother who wishes to breastfeed may need encouragement and support because the defect does present some logistical issues. The nipple must be positioned and stabilized well back in the infant's oral cavity so that the tongue action facilitates milk expression. Because breastfeeding is an option, if the mother wishes to breastfeed, medications should not be given to suppress lactation. Because breastfeeding can usually be accomplished, gavage feedings are not indicated. The suction required to stimulate milk, absent initially, may be useful before nursing to stimulate the let-down reflex.

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

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

A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a 5-year-old child with symptoms of pneumonia and a fever of 102° F. Which intervention can the nurse implement to promote a sense of control for the child? a. None; this is an emergency and the child should not participate in care. b. Allow the child to hold the digital thermometer while taking the child's blood pressure. c. Ask the child if it is OK to take a temperature in the ear. d. Have parents wait in the waiting room.

ANS: B The nurse should allow the child to hold the digital thermometer while taking the child's blood pressure. Unless an emergency is life threatening, children need to participate in their care to maintain a sense of control. Because emergency departments are frequently hectic, there is a tendency to rush through procedures to save time. However, the extra few minutes needed to allow children to participate may save many more minutes of useless resistance and uncooperativeness during subsequent procedures. The child may not give permission, if asked, for a procedure that is necessary to be performed. It is better to give choices such as, "Which ear do you want me to do your temperature in?" instead of, "Can I take your temperature?" Parents should remain with their child to help with decreasing the child's anxiety.

Which is most important to document about immunizations in the child's health history? a. Dosage of immunizations received b. Occurrence of any reaction after an immunization c. The exact date the immunizations were received d. Practitioner who administered the immunizations

ANS: B The occurrence of any reaction after an immunization was given is the most important to document in a history because of possible future reactions, especially allergic reactions.

Approach behaviors are those 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. Which is considered an approach behavior? a. Is unable to adjust to a progression of the disease or condition b. Anticipates future problems and seeks guidance and answers c. Looks for new cures without a perspective toward possible benefit d. Fails to recognize the seriousness of the child's condition despite physical evidence

ANS: B The parents who anticipate future problems and seek guidance and answers are demonstrating approach behaviors. They are demonstrating positive actions in caring for their child. 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 a child's condition despite physical evidence are avoidance behaviors. The parents are moving away from adjustment (and toward maladaptation) in the crisis of a child with chronic illness or disability.

The nurse is caring for an infant whose cleft lip was repaired. What important aspects of this infant's postoperative care should be included? a. Arm restraints, postural drainage, mouth irrigations b. Cleansing the suture line, supine and side-lying positions, arm restraints c. Mouth irrigations, prone position, cleansing the suture line d. Supine and side-lying positions, postural drainage, arm restraints

ANS: B The suture line should be cleansed gently after feeding. The child should be positioned on the back, on the side, or in an infant seat. Elbows are restrained to prevent the child from accessing the operative site. Postural drainage is not indicated. This would increase the pressure on the operative site when the child is placed in different positions. There is no reason to perform mouth irrigations, and the child should not be placed in the prone position where injury to the suture site can occur.

Parents are asking the clinic nurse about an appropriate toy for their toddler. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "Your child would enjoy playing a board game." b. "A toy your child can push or pull would help develop muscles." c. "An action figure toy would be a good choice." d. "A 25-piece puzzle would help your child develop recognition of shapes."

ANS: B Toys should be appropriate for the child's age. A toddler would benefit from a toy he or she could push or pull. The child is too young for a board game, action figure, or 25-piece puzzle.

What is an important consideration for the nurse who is communicating with a very young child? a. Speak loudly, clearly, and directly. b. Use transition objects, such as a doll. c. Disguise own feelings, attitudes, and anxiety. d. Initiate contact with child when parent is not present.

ANS: B Using a transition object allows the young child an opportunity to evaluate an unfamiliar person (the nurse). This will facilitate communication with a child this age. Speaking in this manner will tend to increase anxiety in very young children. The nurse must be honest with the child. Attempts at deception will lead to a lack of trust. Whenever possible, the parent should be present for interactions with young children.

Which communication technique should the nurse avoid when interviewing children and their families? a. Using silence b. Using clichés c. Directing the focus d. Defining the problem

ANS: B Using stereotyped comments or clichés can block effective communication, and this technique should be avoided. After use of such trite phrases, parents will often not respond. Silence can be an effective interviewing tool. Silence permits the interviewee to sort out thoughts and feelings and search for responses to questions. To be effective, the nurse must be able to direct the focus of the interview while allowing maximal freedom of expression. By using open-ended questions, along with guiding questions, the nurse can obtain the necessary information and maintain the relationship with the family. The nurse and parent must collaborate and define the problem that will be the focus of the nursing intervention.

The nurse must check vital signs on a 2-year-old boy who is brought to the clinic for his 24-month checkup. What criteria should the nurse use in determining the appropriate-size blood pressure cuff? (Select all that apply.) a. The cuff is labeled "toddler." b. The cuff bladder width is approximately 40% of the circumference of the upper arm. c. The cuff bladder length covers 80% to 100% of the circumference of the upper arm. d. The cuff bladder covers 50% to 66% of the length of the upper arm.

ANS: B, C Research has demonstrated that cuff selection with a bladder width that is 40% of the arm circumference will usually have a bladder length that is 80% to 100% of the upper arm circumference.

A nurse plans therapeutic play time for a hospitalized child. What are the benefits of play? (Select all that apply.) a. Serves as method to assist disturbed children b. Allows the child to express feelings c. The nurse can gain insight into the child's feelings. d. The child can deal with concerns and feelings. e. Gives the child a structured play environment

ANS: B, C, D Play is an effective, nondirective modality for helping children deal with their concerns and fears, and at the same time, it often helps the nurse gain insights into children's needs and feelings. Play and other expressive activities provide one of the best opportunities for encouraging emotional expression, including the safe release of anger and hostility. Nondirective play that allows children freedom for expression can be tremendously therapeutic. Play therapy is a structured therapy that helps disturbed children. It should not be confused with therapeutic play.

Which is true concerning hepatitis B? (Select all that apply.) a. Hepatitis B cannot exist in carrier state. b. Hepatitis B can be prevented by HBV vaccine. c. Hepatitis B can be transferred to an infant of a breastfeeding mother. d. Onset of hepatitis B is insidious. e. Principal mode of transmission for hepatitis B is fecal-oral route. f. Immunity to hepatitis B occurs after one attack.

ANS: B, C, D, F The vaccine elicits the formation of an antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen, which is protective against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be transferred to an infant of a breastfeeding mother, especially if the mother's nipples are cracked. The onset of hepatitis B is insidious. Immunity develops after one exposure to hepatitis B. Hepatitis B has a carrier state. The fecal-oral route is the principal mode of transmission for hepatitis A. Hepatitis B is transmitted through the parenteral route.

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.

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

ANS: C

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. Who 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 the child's care d. Primary care physician and key health professionals involved in the child's care

ANS: C A multidisciplinary conference is necessary for coordination of care for children with complex health needs. The family is included, along with key health professionals who are involved in the child's care. The nursing staff can address the child's nursing care needs with the family, but other involved disciplines must be included. The family must be included in the discharge conferences, which allows 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 child's nursing needs.

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.

A nurse is counseling parents of a child beginning to show signs of being overweight. The nurse accurately relates which body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile indicates a risk for being overweight? a. 10th percentile b. 9th percentile c. 85th percentile d. 95th percentile

ANS: C Children who have BMI-for-age greater than or equal to the 85th percentile and less than the 95th percentile are at risk for being overweight. Children in the 9th and 10th percentiles are within normal limits. Children who are greater than or equal to the 95th percentile are considered overweight.

An infant is brought to the emergency department with dehydration. Which physical assessment finding does the nurse expect? a. Weight gain b. Bradycardia c. Poor skin turgor d. Brisk capillary refill

ANS: C Clinical manifestations of dehydration include poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, and tachycardia. The infant would have prolonged capillary refill, not brisk.

Which is most likely to encourage parents to talk about their feelings related to their child's illness? a. Be sympathetic. b. Use direct questions. c. Use open-ended questions. d. Avoid periods of silence.

ANS: C Closed-ended questions should be avoided when attempting to elicit parents' feelings. Open-ended questions require the parent to respond with more than a brief answer. Sympathy is having feelings or emotions in common with another person rather than understanding those feelings (empathy). Sympathy is not therapeutic in helping the relationship. Direct questions may obtain limited information. In addition, the parent may consider them threatening. Silence can be an effective interviewing tool. It allows sharing of feelings in which two or more people absorb the emotion in depth. Silence permits the interviewee to sort out thoughts and feelings and search for responses to questions.

A father tells the nurse that his child is "filling up the house with collections" like seashells, bottle caps, baseball cards, and pennies. What should the nurse recognize the child is developing? a. Object permanence b. Preoperational thinking c. Concrete operational thinking d. Ability to use abstract symbols

ANS: C During concrete operations, children develop logical thought processes. They are able to classify, sort, order, and otherwise organize facts about the world. This ability fosters the child's ability to create collections. Object permanence is the realization that items that leave the visual field still exist. This is a task of infancy and does not contribute to collections. Preoperational thinking is concrete and tangible. Children in this age group cannot reason beyond the observable, and they lack the ability to make deductions or generalizations. Collections are not typical for this developmental level. The ability to use abstract symbols is a characteristic of formal operations, which develops during adolescence. These children can develop and test hypotheses.

Which behavior is most characteristic of the concrete operations stage of cognitive development? a. Progression from reflex activity to imitative behavior b. Inability to put oneself in another's place c. Increasingly logical and coherent thought processes d. Ability to think in abstract terms and draw logical conclusions

ANS: C During the concrete operations stage of development, which occurs approximately between ages 7 and 11 years, increasingly logical and coherent thought processes occur. This is characterized by the child's ability to classify, sort, order, and organize facts to use in problem solving. The progression from reflex activity to imitative behavior is characteristic of the sensorimotor stage of development. The inability to put oneself in another's place is characteristic of the preoperational stage of development. The ability to think in abstract terms and draw logical conclusions is characteristic of the formal operations stage of development.

In which type of play are children engaged in similar or identical activity, without organization, division of labor, or mutual goal? a. Solitary b. Parallel c. Associative d. Cooperative

ANS: C In associative play, no group goal is present. Each child acts according to his or her own wishes. Although the children may be involved in similar activities, no organization, division of labor, leadership assignment, or mutual goal exists. Solitary play describes children playing alone with toys different from those used by other children in the same area. Parallel play describes children playing independently but being among other children. Cooperative play is organized. Children play in a group with other children who play in activities for a common goal.

The nurse is explaining to a parent how to care for a school-age child with vomiting associated with a viral illness. Which action should the nurse include? a. Avoid carbohydrate-containing liquids. b. Give nothing by mouth for 24 hours. c. Brush teeth or rinse mouth after vomiting. d. Give plain water until vomiting ceases for at least 24 hours.

ANS: C It is important to emphasize the need for the child to brush the teeth or rinse the mouth after vomiting to dilute the hydrochloric acid that comes in contact with the teeth. Ad libitum administration of glucose-electrolyte solution to an alert child will help restore water and electrolytes satisfactorily. It is important to include carbohydrate to spare body protein and avoid ketosis.

By what age does birth length usually double? a. 1 year b. 2 years c. 4 years d. 6 years

ANS: C Linear growth or height occurs almost entirely as a result of skeletal growth and is considered a stable measurement of general growth. On average, most children have doubled their birth length at age 4 years. One and 2 years are too young for doubling of length. Most children will have achieved the doubling by age 4 years.

The nurse is caring for an adolescent who had an external fixator placed after suffering a fracture of the wrist during a bicycle accident. Which statement by the adolescent should be expected about separation anxiety? a. "I wish my parents could spend the night with me while I am in the hospital." b. "I think I would like for my siblings to visit me but not my friends." c. "I hope my friends don't forget about visiting me." d. "I will be embarrassed if my friends come to the hospital to visit."

ANS: C Loss of peer-group contact may pose a severe emotional threat to an adolescent because of loss of group status, so friends visiting are an important aspect of hospitalization for an adolescent. Most adolescents do not need a parent to spend the night during hospitalization and sometimes view the hospitalization as a welcome event. Adolescents would be more concerned about friends visiting than siblings. Adolescents want visitors to keep control and maintain social status among their group of peers.

A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a toddler. Which approach should the nurse use for this child? a. Always proceed in a head-to-toe direction. b. Perform traumatic procedures first. c. Use minimal physical contact initially. d. Demonstrate use of equipment.

ANS: C Parents can remove clothing, and the child can remain on the parent's lap. The nurse should use minimal physical contact initially to gain the child's cooperation. The head-to-toe assessment can be done in older children but usually must be adapted in younger children.

Kimberly, age 3 years, is being admitted for about 1 week of hospitalization. Her parents tell the nurse that they are going to buy her "a lot of new toys, because she will be in the hospital." The nurse's reply should be based on an understanding of which concept? a. New toys make hospitalization easier. b. New toys are usually better than older ones for children of this age. c. At this age, children often need the comfort and reassurance of familiar toys from home. d. Buying new toys for a hospitalized child is a maladaptive way to cope with parental guilt.

ANS: C Parents should bring favorite items from home to be with the child. Young children associate inanimate objects with people who are significant in their lives. The favorite items will comfort and reassure the child. Because the parents left the objects, the preschooler knows the parents will return. New toys will not serve the purpose of familiar toys and objects from home. The parents may experience some guilt as a response to the hospitalization, but there is no evidence that it is maladaptive.

During the first few days after surgery for cleft lip, which intervention should the nurse do? a. Leave infant in crib at all times to prevent suture strain. b. Keep infant heavily sedated to prevent suture strain. c. Remove restraints periodically to cuddle infant. d. Alternate position from prone to side-lying to supine.

ANS: C Remove restraints periodically, while supervising the infant, to allow him or her to exercise arms and to provide cuddling and tactile stimulation. The infant should not be left in the crib, but should be removed for appropriate holding and stimulation. Analgesia and sedation are administered for pain. Heavy sedation is not indicated. The child should not be placed in the prone position.

A 16-year-old with a chronic illness has recently become rebellious and is taking risks such as missing doses of his medication. What is the best explanation for this behavior? a. Needs more discipline b. Needs more socialization with peers c. This is part of normal adolescence d. This is how he is asking for more parental control

ANS: C Risk taking, rebelliousness, and lack of cooperation are normal parts of adolescence.

Which pathogen is the viral pathogen that frequently causes acute diarrhea in young children? a. Giardia organisms b. Shigella organisms c. Rotavirus d. Salmonella organisms

ANS: C Rotavirus is the most frequent viral pathogen that causes diarrhea in young children. Giardia (parasite) and Salmonella are bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea. Shigella is a bacterial pathogen that is uncommon in the United States.

A nurse is assigned to four children of different ages. In which age group should the nurse understand that body integrity is a concern? a. Toddler b. Preschooler c. School-age child d. Adolescent

ANS: C School-age children have a heightened concern about body integrity. They place importance and value on their bodies and are oversensitive to anything that constitutes a threat or suggestion of injury. Body integrity is not as important a concern to toddlers, preschoolers, or adolescents.

An 8-year-old girl asks the nurse how the blood pressure apparatus works. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Ask her why she wants to know. b. Determine why she is so anxious. c. Explain in simple terms how it works. d. Tell her she will see how it works as it is used.

ANS: C School-age children require explanations and reasons for everything. They are interested in the functional aspect of all procedures, objects, and activities. It is appropriate for the nurse to explain how equipment works and what will happen to the child. A nurse should respond positively for requests for information about procedures and health information. By not responding, the nurse may be limiting communication with the child. The child is not exhibiting anxiety, just requesting clarification of what will be occurring. The nurse must explain how the blood pressure cuff works so that the child can then observe during the procedure.

During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has significant head lag. Which is the nurse's most appropriate action? a. Teach parents appropriate exercises. b. Recheck head control at next visit. c. Refer child for further evaluation. d. Refer child for further evaluation if anterior fontanel is still open.

ANS: C Significant head lag after age 6 months strongly indicates cerebral injury and is referred for further evaluation. Reduction of head lag is part of normal development. Exercises will not be effective. The lack of achievement of this developmental milestone must be evaluated.

When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize that which condition or symptom is a sign of perforation? a. Bradycardia b. Anorexia c. Sudden relief from pain d. Decreased abdominal distention

ANS: C Signs of peritonitis, in addition to fever, include sudden relief from pain after perforation. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is a manifestation of peritonitis. Anorexia is already a clinical manifestation of appendicitis. Abdominal distention usually increases.

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

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

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 should the nurse tell the 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 the parents understand the importance of honesty.

A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. The nurse should recognize that preparing this child psychologically is: a. not necessary because of child's age. b. not necessary because colostomy is temporary. c. necessary because it will be an adjustment. d. necessary because the child must deal with a negative body image.

ANS: C The child's age dictates the type and extent of psychological preparation. When a colostomy is performed, the child who is at least preschool age is told about the procedure and what to expect in concrete terms, with the use of visual aids. It is necessary to prepare a 3-year-old child for procedures. The preschooler is not yet concerned with body image.

Which observation made of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis? a. Abdominal rigidity b. Substernal retraction c. Palpable olive-like mass d. Marked distention of lower abdomen

ANS: C The diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is often made after the history and physical examination. The olive-like mass is easily palpated when the stomach is empty, the infant is quiet, and the abdominal muscles are relaxed. Abdominal rigidity and substernal retraction are usually not present. The upper abdomen, not lower abdomen, is distended.

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

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

A histamine-receptor antagonist such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac) is ordered for an infant with GER. What is the purpose of this medication? a. Prevent reflux b. Prevent hematemesis c. Reduce gastric acid production d. Increase gastric acid production

ANS: C The mechanism of action of histamine-receptor antagonists is to reduce the amount of acid present in gastric contents and perhaps prevent esophagitis. Preventing reflux or hematemesis and increasing gastric acid production are not the modes of action of histamine-receptor antagonists.

What is the single most important factor to consider when communicating with children? a. The child's physical condition b. Presence or absence of the child's parent c. The child's developmental level d. The child's nonverbal behaviors

ANS: C The nurse must be aware of the child's developmental stage to engage in effective communication. The use of both verbal and nonverbal communication should be appropriate to the developmental level. Although the child's physical condition is a consideration, developmental level is much more important. The parents' presence is important when communicating with young children but may be detrimental when speaking with adolescents. Nonverbal behaviors will vary in importance, based on the child's developmental level.

A nurse is preparing to complete an admission assessment on a 2-year-old child. The child is sitting on the parent's lap. Which technique should the nurse implement to complete the physical exam? a. Ask the parent to place the child in the hospital crib. b. Take the child and parent to the exam room. c. Perform the exam while the child is on the parent's lap. d. Ask the child to stand by the parent while completing the exam.

ANS: C The nurse should complete the exam while the child is on the parent's lap. For young children, particularly infants and toddlers, preserving parent-child contact is the best means of decreasing the need for or stress of restraint. The entire physical examination can be done in a parent's lap with the parent hugging the child for procedures such as an otoscopic examination. Placing the child in the crib, taking the child to the exam room, or asking the child to stand by the parent would separate the child from the parent and cause anxiety.

Which are adaptive coping patterns used by children with special needs? (Select all that apply.) a. Feels different and withdraws b. Is irritable, moody, and acts out c. Seeks support d. Develops optimism

ANS: C, D Adaptive coping patterns used by children with special needs include seeking support and developing optimism. Maladaptive behaviors are seeing themselves as different and withdrawing and becoming irritable, moody, and beginning to act out.

When palpating the child's cervical lymph nodes, the nurse notes that they are tender, enlarged, and warm. What is the best explanation for this? a. Some form of cancer b. Local scalp infection common in children c. Infection or inflammation distal to the site d. Infection or inflammation close to the site

ANS: D Small nontender nodes are normal. Tender, enlarged, and warm lymph nodes may indicate infection or inflammation close to their location. Tender lymph nodes are not usually indicative of cancer. A scalp infection would usually not cause inflamed lymph nodes. The lymph nodes close to the site of inflammation or infection would be inflamed.

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 Adolescents, because of their mature understanding of death, remnants of guilt and shame, and issues with deviations from normal, have the most difficulty coping with death.

The nurse is having difficulty communicating with a hospitalized 6-year-old child. What technique might be most helpful? a. Suggest that the child keep a diary. b. Suggest that the parent read fairy tales to the child. c. Ask the parent if the child is always uncommunicative. d. Ask the child to draw a picture.

ANS: D Drawing is one of the most valuable forms of communication. Children's drawings tell a great deal about them because they are projections of the child's inner self. It would be difficult for a 6-year-old child who is most likely learning to read to keep a diary. Parents reading fairy tales to the child is a passive activity involving the parent and child. It would not facilitate communication with the nurse. The child is in a stressful situation and is probably uncomfortable with strangers.

A nurse is admitting an infant with dehydration caused from water loss in excess of electrolyte loss. Which type of dehydration is this infant experiencing? a. Isotonic b. Isosmotic c. Hypotonic d. Hypertonic

ANS: D Hypertonic dehydration results from water loss in excess of electrolyte loss. This is the most dangerous type of dehydration. It is caused by feeding children fluids with high amounts of solute. Isotonic dehydration occurs in conditions in which electrolyte and water deficits are present in balanced proportion and is another term for isomotic dehydration. Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the electrolyte deficit exceeds the water deficit, leaving the serum hypotonic.

An infant who weighs 7 pounds at birth would be expected to weigh how many pounds at age 1 year? a. 14 b. 16 c. 18 d. 21

ANS: D In general, birth weight triples by the end of the first year of life. For an infant who was 7 pounds at birth, 21 pounds would be the anticipated weight at the first birthday; 14, 16, or 18 pounds is below what would be expected for an infant with a birth weight of 7 pounds.

What are the results of excessive vomiting in an infant with pyloric stenosis? a. Hyperchloremia b. Hypernatremia c. Metabolic acidosis d. Metabolic alkalosis

ANS: D Infants with excessive vomiting are prone to metabolic alkalosis from the loss of hydrogen ions. Chloride ions and sodium are lost with vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, is likely.

What is invagination of one segment of bowel within another called? a. Atresia b. Stenosis c. Herniation d. Intussusception

ANS: D Intussusception occurs when a proximal section of the bowel telescopes into a more distal segment, pulling the mesentery with it. The mesentery is compressed and angled, resulting in lymphatic and venous obstruction. Invagination of one segment of bowel within another is the definition of intussusception, not atresia, stenosis, or herniation.

Which therapeutic management treatment is implemented for children with Hirschsprung disease? a. Daily enemas b. Low-fiber diet c. Permanent colostomy d. Surgical removal of affected section of bowel

ANS: D Most children with Hirschsprung disease require surgical rather than medical management. Surgery is done to remove the aganglionic portion of the bowel, relieve obstruction, and restore normal bowel motility and function of the internal anal sphincter. Preoperative management may include enemas and low-fiber, high-calorie, high-protein diet, until the child is physically ready for surgery. The colostomy that is created in Hirschsprung disease is usually temporary.

Which clinical manifestation would be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis? a. Rebound tenderness b. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding c. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating d. Abdominal pain that is most intense at McBurney point

ANS: D Pain is the cardinal feature. It is initially generalized, usually periumbilical. The pain localizes to the right lower quadrant at McBurney point. Rebound tenderness is not a reliable sign and is extremely painful to the child. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding and abdominal pain that is relieved by eating are not signs of acute appendicitis.

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

ANS: D The child must be correctly identified before the administration of any medication. Children are not totally reliable in giving correct names on request; the identification bracelet should always be checked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANS: D The preschooler can recognize that the pet has died but has difficulties with the permanence. Digging up the bird gives reassurance that the bird is still present.

Which nursing intervention should the nurse include to help the siblings of a child with special needs cope? a. Explain to the siblings that embarrassment is unhealthy b. Encourage the parents not to expect siblings to help them care for the child with special needs c. Provide information to the siblings about the child's condition only as they request it d. Suggest to the parents ways of showing gratitude to the siblings who help care for the child with special needs

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

Which age group should the pediatric nurse recognize as being vulnerable to events that lessen their feeling of control and power? a. Infants b. Toddlers c. Preschoolers d. School-age children

ANS: D When a child is hospitalized, the altered family role, physical disability, loss of peer acceptance, lack of productivity, and inability to cope with stress usurp individual power and identity. This is especially detrimental to school-age children, who are striving for independence and productivity and are now experiencing events that lessen their control and power. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, although affected to different extents by loss of power, are not as significantly affected as are school-age children.

Four-year-old Brian appears to be upset by hospitalization. Which is an appropriate intervention? a. Let him know it is all right to cry. b. Give him time to gain control of himself. c. Show him how other children are cooperating. d. Tell him what a big boy he is to be so quiet.

ANS: A Crying is an appropriate behavior for the upset preschooler. The nurse provides support through physical presence. Giving the child time to gain control is appropriate, but the child must know that crying is acceptable. The preschooler does not engage in competitive behaviors.

Which condition in a child should alert a nurse for increased fluid requirements? a. Fever b. Mechanical ventilation c. Congestive heart failure d. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

ANS: A Fever leads to great insensible fluid loss in young children because of increased body surface area relative to fluid volume. Respiratory rate influences insensible fluid loss and should be monitored in the mechanically ventilated child. Congestive heart failure is a case of fluid overload in children. Increased ICP does not lead to increased fluid requirements in children.

When a preschool child is hospitalized without adequate preparation, how does the child often react to the hospitalization? a. Sees it as a punishment b. A threat to child's self-image c. An opportunity for regression d. Loss of companionship with friends

ANS: A If a toddler is not prepared for hospitalization, a typical preschooler fantasy is to attribute the hospitalization to punishment for real or imagined misdeeds. Attributing the hospitalization to punishment for real or imagined misdeeds is a reaction typical of toddler and school-age children when threatened with loss of control.

A nurse is receiving report on a newborn admitted yesterday after a gastroschisis repair. In the report, the nurse is told the newborn has a physician's prescription for an NG tube to low intermittent suction. The reporting nurse confirms that the NG tube is to low intermittent suction and draining light green stomach contents. Upon initial assessment, the nurse notes that the newborn has pulled the NG tube out. Which is the priority action the nurse should take? a. Replace the NG tube and continue the low intermittent suction. b. Leave the NG tube out and notify the physician at the end of the shift. c. Leave the NG tube out and monitor for bowel sounds. d. Replace the NG tube, but leave to gravity drainage instead of low wall suction.

ANS: A A newborn with a gastroschisis performed the day before will require bowel decompression with an NG tube to low wall intermittent suction. The nurse's priority action is to replace the NG tube and continue with the low wall intermittent suctioning. The NG tube cannot be left out this soon after surgery. The physician's prescription was to have the NG tube to low wall intermittent suction, so the tube cannot be placed to gravity drainage.

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

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

Samantha, age 5 years, tells the nurse that she "needs a Band-Aid" where she had an injection. Which is the best nursing action? a. Apply a Band-Aid. b. Ask her why she wants a Band-Aid. c. Explain why a Band-Aid is not needed. d. Show her that the bleeding has already stopped.

ANS: A Children at this age group still fear that their insides may leak out at the injection site. Provide the Band-Aid. No explanation should be required. The nurse should be prepared to apply a small Band-Aid after the injection.

Which is an effective strategy to reduce the stress of burn dressing procedures? a. Give the child as many choices as possible. b. Reassure the child that dressing changes are not painful. c. Explain to the child why analgesics cannot be used. d. Encourage the child to master stress with controlled passivity.

ANS: A Children who understand the procedure and have some perceived control demonstrate less maladaptive behavior. They respond well to participating in decisions and should be given as many choices as possible. The dressing change procedure is painful and stressful. Misinformation should not be given to the child. Analgesia and sedation can and should be used. Encouraging the child to master stress with controlled passivity is not a positive coping strategy.

Matthew, age 18 months, has just been admitted with croup. His parent is tearful and tells the nurse, "This is all my fault. I should have taken him to the doctor sooner so he wouldn't have to be here." Which is appropriate in the care plan for this parent who is experiencing guilt? a. Clarify misconception about the illness. b. Explain to the parent that the illness is not serious. c. Encourage the parent to maintain a sense of control. d. Assess further why the parent has excessive guilt feelings.

ANS: A Guilt is a common response of parents when a child is hospitalized. They may blame themselves for the child's illness or for not recognizing it soon enough. The nurse should clarify the nature of the problem and reassure parents that the child is being cared for. Croup is a potentially serious illness. The nurse should not minimize the parent's feelings. It would be difficult for the parent to maintain a sense of control while the child is seriously ill. No further assessment is indicated at this time; guilt is a common response for parents.

Which type of dehydration is defined as "dehydration that occurs in conditions in which electrolyte and water deficits are present in approximately balanced proportion"? a. Isotonic dehydration b. Hypotonic dehydration c. Hypertonic dehydration d. All types of dehydration in infants and small children

ANS: A Isotonic dehydration is the correct term for this definition and is the most frequent form of dehydration in children. Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the electrolyte deficit exceeds the water deficit, leaving the serum hypotonic. Hypertonic dehydration results from water loss in excess of electrolyte loss and is usually caused by a proportionately larger loss of water or a larger intake of electrolytes. This definition is specific to isotonic dehydration.

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

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

The nurse is observing parents playing with their 10-month-old child. Which should the nurse recognize as evidence that the child is developing object permanence? a. Looks for the toy that parents hide under the blanket b. Returns the blocks to the same spot on the table c. Recognizes that a ball of clay is the same when flattened out d. Bangs two cubes held in her hands

ANS: A Object permanence is the realization that items that leave the visual field still exist. When the infant searches for the toy under the blanket, it is an indication that object permanence has developed. Returning the blocks to the same spot on the table is not an example of object permanence. Recognizing that a ball of clay is the same when flattened out is an example of conservation, which occurs during the concrete operations stage from 7 to 11 years. Banging two cubes together is a simple repetitive activity characteristic of developing a sense of cause and effect.

The nurse is caring for a boy with probable intussusception. He had diarrhea before admission but, while waiting for administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, he passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate? a. Notify practitioner b. Measure abdominal girth c. Auscultate for bowel sounds d. Take vital signs, including blood pressure

ANS: A Passage of a normal brown stool indicates that the intussusception has reduced itself. This is immediately reported to the practitioner, who may choose to alter the diagnostic-therapeutic care plan. The first action would be to report the normal stool to the practitioner.

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

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

A nurse is planning preoperative care for a newborn with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.) a. Positioning with head elevated on a 30-degree plane b. Feedings through a gastrostomy tube c. Nasogastric tube to continuous low wall suction d. Suctioning with a Replogle tube passed orally to the end of the pouch e. Gastrostomy tube to gravity drainage

ANS: A, D, E The most desirable position for a newborn who has TEF is supine (or sometimes prone) with the head elevated on an inclined plane of at least 30 degrees. This positioning minimizes the reflux of gastric secretions at the distal esophagus into the trachea and bronchi, especially when intra-abdominal pressure is elevated. It is imperative to immediately remove any secretions that can be aspirated. Until surgery, the blind pouch is kept empty by intermittent or continuous suction through an indwelling double-lumen or Replogle catheter passed orally or nasally to the end of the pouch. In some cases, a percutaneous gastrostomy tube is inserted and left open so that any air entering the stomach through the fistula can escape, thus minimizing the danger of gastric contents being regurgitated into the trachea. The gastrostomy tube is emptied by gravity drainage. Feedings through the gastrostomy tube and irrigations with fluid are contraindicated before surgery in an infant with a distal TEF. A nasogastric tube to low intermittent suctioning could not be accomplished because the esophagus ends in a blind pouch in TEF.

A nurse is preparing to administer a Denver II. Which is a correct statement about the Denver II? (Select all that apply.) a. All items intersected by the age line should be administered. b. There is no correction for a child born preterm. c. The tool is an intelligence test. d. Toddlers and preschoolers should be prepared by presenting the test as a game. e. Presentation of the toys from the kit should be done one at a time.

ANS: A, D, E To identify "cautions," all items intersected by the age line are administered. Toddlers and preschoolers should be tested by presenting the Denver II as a game. Because children are easily distracted, perform each item quickly and present only one toy from the kit at a time. Before beginning the screening, ask whether the child was born preterm and correctly calculate the adjusted age. Up to 24 months of age, allowances are made for preterm infants by subtracting the number of weeks of missed gestation from their present age and testing them at the adjusted age. Explain to the parents and child, if appropriate, that the screenings are not intelligence tests but rather are a method of showing what the child can do at a particular age.

A newborn was admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The physician explained the plan of therapy and its expected good results. However, the mother refuses to see or hold her baby. What is the initial therapeutic approach for the mother? a. Restating what the physician has told her about plastic surgery. b. Encouraging her to express her feelings. c. Emphasizing the normalcy of her baby and the baby's need for mothering. d. Recognizing that negative feelings toward the child continue throughout childhood.

ANS: B For parents, cleft lip and cleft palate deformities are particularly disturbing. The nurse must emphasize not only the infant's physical needs but also the parents' emotional needs. The mother needs to be able to express her feelings before she can accept her child. Although the nurse will restate what the physician has told the mother about plastic surgery, it is not part of the initial therapeutic approach. As the mother expresses her feelings, the nurse's actions should convey to the parents that the infant is a precious human being. The nurse emphasizes the child's normalcy and helps the mother recognize the child's uniqueness.

What is the best description of pyloric stenosis? a. Dilation of the pylorus b. Hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle c. Hypotonicity of the pyloric muscle d. Reduction of tone in the pyloric muscle

ANS: B Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis occurs when the circumferential muscle of the pyloric sphincter becomes thickened, resulting in elongation and narrowing of the pyloric channel. Dilation of the pylorus, hypotonicity of the pyloric muscle, and reduction of tone in the pyloric muscle are not the definition of pyloric stenosis.

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

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

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

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

A visitor arrives at a daycare center during lunchtime. The preschool children think that every time they have lunch a visitor will arrive. Which preoperational characteristic is being displayed? a. Egocentrism b. Transductive reasoning c. Intuitive reasoning d. Conservation

ANS: B Transductive reasoning is when two events occur together, they cause each other. The expectation that every time lunch is served a visitor will arrive is descriptive of transductive reasoning. Egocentrism is the inability to see things from any perspective than their own. Intuitive reasoning (e.g., the stars have to go to bed just as they do) is predominantly egocentric thought. Conservation (able to realize that physical factors such as volume, weight, and number remain the same even though outward appearances are changed) does not occur until school age.

Parents express concern that their pubertal daughter is taller than the boys in her class. The nurse should respond with which statement regarding how the onset of pubertal growth spurt compares in girls and boys? a. It occurs earlier in boys. b. It occurs earlier in girls. c. It is about the same in both boys and girls. TestBankWorld.org d. In both boys and girls, the pubertal growth spurt depends on growth in infancy.

ANS: B Usually, the pubertal growth spurt begins earlier in girls. It typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 14 years for girls and 11 and 16 years for boys.

Which is used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease? a. Antacids b. Antibiotics c. Corticosteroids d. Antidiarrheal medications

ANS: C Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are used in short bursts to suppress the inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel disease. Antacids and antidiarrheal medications are not drugs of choice in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Antibiotics may be used as an adjunctive therapy to treat complications.

During the first 4 days of hospitalization, Eric, age 18 months, cried inconsolably when his parents left him, and he refused the staff's attention. Now the nurse observes that Eric appears to be "settled in" and unconcerned about seeing his parents. The nurse should interpret this as which statement? a. He has successfully adjusted to the hospital environment. b. He has transferred his trust to the nursing staff. c. He may be experiencing detachment, which is the third stage of separation anxiety. d. Because he is "at home" in the hospital now, seeing his mother frequently will only start the cycle again.

ANS: C Detachment is a behavior manifestation of separation anxiety. Superficially it appears that the child has adjusted to the loss. Detachment is a sign of resignation, not contentment. Parents should be encouraged to be with their child. If parents restrict visits, they may begin a pattern of misunderstanding the child's cues and not meeting his needs.

A school-age child, admitted for intravenous antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis, reports difficulty in going to sleep at night. Which intervention should the nurse implement to assist the child in going to sleep at bedtime? a. Request a prescription for a sleeping pill. b. Allow the child to stay up late and sleep late in the morning. c. Create a schedule similar to the one the child follows at home. d. Plan passive activities in the morning and interactive activities right before bedtime.

ANS: C Many children obtain significantly less sleep in the hospital than at home; the primary causes are a delay in sleep onset and early termination of sleep because of hospital routines. One technique that can minimize the disruption in the child's routine is establishing a daily schedule. This approach is most suitable for non-critically ill school-age and adolescent children who have mastered the concept of time. It involves scheduling the child's day to include all those activities that are important to the child and nurse, such as treatment procedures, schoolwork, exercise, television, playroom, and hobbies. The school-age child with osteomyelitis would benefit from a schedule similar to the one followed at home. Requesting a prescription for a sleeping pill would be inappropriate and allowing the child to stay up late and sleep late would not be keeping the child in a routine followed at home. Passive activities in the morning and interactive activities at bedtime should be reversed; it would be better to keep the child active in the morning hours and plan quiet activities at bedtime.

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

ANS: C Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of sweet-tasting substance. This will make the medication more palatable to the child.

Which therapeutic management should the nurse prepare to initiate first for a child with acute diarrhea and moderate dehydration? a. Clear liquids b. Adsorbents, such as kaolin and pectin c. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) d. Antidiarrheal medications such as paregoric

ANS: C ORS is the first treatment for acute diarrhea. Clear liquids are not recommended because they contain too much sugar, which may contribute to diarrhea. Adsorbents are not recommended. Antidiarrheals are not recommended because they do not get rid of pathogens.

A child is playing in the playroom. The nurse needs to obtain a child's blood pressure. Which is the appropriate procedure for obtaining the blood pressure? a. Take the blood pressure in the playroom. b. Ask the child to come to the exam room to obtain the blood pressure. c. Ask the child to return to his or her room for the blood pressure, then escort the child back to the playroom. d. Document that the blood pressure was not obtained because the child was in the playroom.

ANS: C The play room is a safe haven for children, free from medical or nursing procedures. The child can be returned to his or her room for the blood pressure and then escorted back to the playroom. The exam room is reserved for painful procedures that should not be performed in the child's hospital bed. Documenting that the blood pressure was not obtained because the child was in the playroom is inappropriate.

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

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

The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical manifestation would indicate pyloric stenosis? a. Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation b. Rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds c. Visible peristalsis and weight loss d. Distention of lower abdomen and constipation

ANS: C Visible gastric peristaltic waves that move from left to right across the epigastrium and weight loss are observed in pyloric stenosis. Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation or a rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds are usually not present. The upper abdomen, not lower abdomen, is distended.

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

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

According to Kohlberg, children develop moral reasoning as they mature. Which statement is most characteristic of a preschooler's stage of moral development? a. Obeying the rules of correct behavior is important. b. Showing respect for authority is important behavior. c. Behavior that pleases others is considered good. d. Actions are determined as good or bad in terms of their consequences.

ANS: D Preschoolers are most likely to exhibit characteristics of Kohlberg's preconventional level of moral development. During this stage, they are culturally oriented to labels of good or bad, right or wrong. Children integrate these concepts based on the physical or pleasurable consequences of their actions. Obeying the rules of correct behavior, showing respect for authority, and engaging in behavior that pleases others are characteristics of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral development.

A nurse is conducting parenting classes for parents of children ranging in ages 2 to 7 years. The parents understand the term egocentrism when they indicate it means: a. selfishness. b. self-centeredness. c. preferring to play alone. d. unable to put self in another's place.

ANS: D According to Piaget, children ages 2 to 7 years are in the preoperational stage of development. Children interpret objects and events not in terms of their general properties but in terms of their relationships or their use to them. This egocentrism does not allow children of this age to put themselves in another's place. Selfishness, self-centeredness, and preferring to play alone do not describe the concept of egocentricity.

A school-age child with diarrhea has been rehydrated. The nurse is discussing the child's diet with the family. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I will keep my child on a clear liquid diet for the next 24 hours." b. "I should encourage my child to drink carbonated drinks but avoid food for the next 24 hours." c. "I will offer my child bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for the next 48 hours." d. "I should have my child eat a normal diet with easily digested foods for the next 48 hours."

ANS: D Easily digested foods such as cereals, cooked vegetables, and meats should be provided for the child. Early reintroduction of nutrients is desirable. Continued feeding or reintroduction of a regular diet has no adverse effects and actually lessens the severity and duration of the illness. Clear liquids and carbonated drinks have high carbohydrate content and few electrolytes. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided because caffeine is a mild diuretic. The BRAT diet has little nutritional value and is high in carbohydrates.

What is a common initial reaction of parents to illness or injury and hospitalization in their child? a. Anger b. Fear c. Depression d. Helplessness

ANS: D Recent research has identified common themes among parents whose children were hospitalized, including feeling an overall sense of helplessness, questioning the skills of staff, accepting the reality of hospitalization, needing to have information explained in simple language, dealing with fear, coping with uncertainty, and seeking reassurance from caregivers. Anger or guilt is usually the second reaction stage. Fear, anxiety, and frustrations also are common feelings. Parents may finally react with some form of depression related to the physical and emotional exhaustion associated with a hospitalized child.

A nurse is planning play activities for school-age children. Which type of a play activity should the nurse plan? a. Solitary b. Parallel c. Associative d. Cooperative

ANS: D School-age children engage in cooperative play where it is organized and interactive. Playing a game is a good example of cooperative play. Solitary play is appropriate for infants, parallel play is an activity appropriate for toddlers, and associative play is an activity appropriate for preschool-age children.

Which following function of play is a major component of play at all ages? a. Creativity b. Socialization c. Intellectual development d. Sensorimotor activity

ANS: D Sensorimotor activity is a major component of play at all ages. Active play is essential for muscle development and allows the release of surplus energy. Through sensorimotor play, children explore their physical world by using tactile, auditory, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation. Creativity, socialization, and intellectual development are each functions of play that are major components at different ages.

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

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

A nurse observes a toddler playing with sand and water. How should the nurse document this type of play? a. Skill b. Dramatic c. Social-affective d. Sense-pleasure

ANS: D The toddler playing with sand and water is engaging in sense-pleasure play. This is characterized by nonsocial situations in which the child is stimulated by objects in the environment. Infants engage in skill play when they persistently demonstrate and exercise newly acquired abilities. Dramatic play is the predominant form of play in the preschool period. Children pretend and fantasize. Social-affective play is one of the first types of play in which infants engage. The infant responds to interactions with people.

What should be included in caring for the newborn with a cleft lip and palate before surgical repair? a. Gastrostomy feedings b. Keeping infant in near-horizontal position during feedings c. Allowing little or no sucking d. Providing satisfaction of sucking needs

ANS: D Using special or modified nipples for feeding techniques helps meet the infant's sucking needs. Gastrostomy feedings are usually not indicated. Feeding is best accomplished with the infant's head in an upright position. The child requires both nutritive and nonnutritive sucking.