A home health nurse is caring for a child who has Lyme disease. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Ensure the state health department has been notified.
Administer antitoxin.
Educate the family to avoid sharing personal belongings.
Assess for skin necrosis.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should ensure the state health department has been notified of the child’s Lyme disease, as it is a reportable disease in most states. Reporting helps to monitor the incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease and to implement prevention and control measures.
Choice B is wrong because antitoxin is not used to treat Lyme disease.
Antitoxin is a substance that neutralizes the effects of a toxin, such as botulism or tetanus. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be treated with antibiotics.
Choice C is wrong because Lyme disease is not transmitted by sharing personal belongings. Lyme disease is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks that carry the bacterium. The risk of getting Lyme disease can be reduced by avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and removing ticks promptly.
Choice D is wrong because skin necrosis is not a common complication of Lyme disease.
Skin necrosis is the death of skin tissue due to lack of blood supply or infection. Lyme disease can cause a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, which is usually circular or oval and expands over time. Other possible signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and neurological problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications. Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.
Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.
Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.
Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because cotton socks can help keep the feet dry and prevent infections. Wearing clean socks every day can also prevent blisters and injuries from friction.
Choice A is wrong because soaking feet twice daily can make the skin too soft and prone to injury. It can also wash away natural oils that protect the skin.
Choice C is wrong because rounding the edges of toenails when trimming can cause ingrown nails, which can lead to infection and pain. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and filed smoothly.
Choice D is wrong because using moisturizing lotion between the toes can create a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Moisturizing lotion should be applied to the rest of the feet, but not between the toes.
Some other foot care guidelines for people with diabetes are:
• Inspect your feet daily and look for signs of injury, such as scrapes, cuts, blisters, etc.
• Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap.
Hot water and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow before putting your feet in.
• Don’t walk barefoot.
Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear appropriate-fitting shoes to avoid injury and blisters.
• See a doctor to remove corns or calluses (don’t do it yourself). Don’t use chemical wart removers, razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn or callus removers.
• Don’t sit with your legs crossed or stand in one position for long periods of time.
• See your doctor regularly for foot exams and report any problems or changes in your feet. References:
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