A 6-year-old child who has chickenpox also has a fever of 102.9 F (39.4 C). The child’s mother asks the nurse if she should use aspirin to reduce the fever.
What is the best response by the nurse?
It’s best to wait to see if the fever gets worse.
You can use the aspirin, but watch for worsening symptoms.
Acetaminophen should be used to reduce his fever, not aspirin.
You can use aspirin but be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Waiting to see if the fever gets worse is not the best course of action. Fever is a symptom that the body is fighting off an infection, and it can cause discomfort in children. However, the main concern with chickenpox and fever is not the fever itself, but the risk of complications from the chickenpox. Therefore, it’s important to manage the fever for the child’s comfort but also monitor for any signs of complications.
Choice B rationale:
Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers who have chickenpox or flu symptoms before a doctor is consulted about Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Reye’s syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that has been associated with aspirin use in children and adolescents with viral illnesses, especially chickenpox or influenza.
Choice C rationale:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used to reduce his fever, not aspirin. This is because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome associated with aspirin use in children and adolescents who have viral illnesses. Acetaminophen is a safe and effective choice for fever reduction in children.
Choice D rationale:
While it’s important to always follow the instructions on the bottle when giving medication, aspirin should not be used in children or teenagers with chickenpox due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Therefore, this advice could potentially lead to a dangerous situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that antiviral drugs can be effective in treating the flu, they’re most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Starting treatment after 4 days may not provide the same benefits.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While a blood test can confirm the presence of the flu virus, it’s not typically necessary to diagnose the flu. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and the fact that the flu is widespread in the community.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is correct. Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within 2 days of symptom onset. After this time, the benefits of these drugs decrease. Therefore, starting treatment 4 days after symptoms begin may not significantly reduce the duration or severity of symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect. While it’s true that getting a flu vaccine is important, it’s not the best response in this situation. The flu vaccine won’t treat current illness. It’s designed to prevent future infections. In this case, the individual is already sick, so a booster vaccination wouldn’t be the most effective course of action.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Rifampin Rifampin is an antitubercular drug that is effective against all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA in the bacteria, preventing them from reproducing. However, it does not typically cause a decrease in visual acuity.
Choice B rationale:
Ethambutol Ethambutol is an antitubercular drug that can cause ocular toxicity in the form of visual field changes. It is known to induce toxic optic neuropathy, which is quite common and can lead to a decrease in visual acuity. Patients on Ethambutol therapy are advised to report any changes in visual acuity or eye discomfort immediately to their healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
Streptomycin Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. While it can cause side effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, it is not typically associated with a decrease in visual acuity.
Choice D rationale:
Isoniazid Isoniazid is a first-line antitubercular drug that works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it can cause peripheral neuropathy, it is not typically associated with a decrease in visual acuity.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.