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A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is terminally ill. Which of the following reactions to death should the nurse expect?

A.

Understands that death is permanent.

B.

Perceives death as a punishment.

C.

Worries about physical body changes.

D.

Has feelings of isolation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

 

The correct answer is choice b. Perceives death as a punishment.

 

Choice A rationale:

 Preschool-aged children generally do not understand that death is permanent. They often view death as temporary or reversible, similar to what they see in cartoons.

 

Choice B rationale:

 Preschoolers may perceive death as a punishment for something they did or thought. This age group often feels guilt and shame, believing their actions or thoughts caused the illness or death.

 

Choice C rationale:

 Worrying about physical body changes is more typical in older children who have a better understanding of the physical aspects of illness and death.

 

Choice D rationale:

 Feelings of isolation are more common in older children and adolescents who are more aware of social dynamics and the implications of their illness.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Adolescents are at a stage of development where body image and appearance are of significant importance. Discussing how the procedure might affect the client's appearance allows the nurse to address the adolescent's concerns and fears related to changes in their body. This can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control over the situation, fostering a more positive psychological response to the surgery.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding involving the client in decisions regarding treatment (Choice B) would not be appropriate for an adolescent. Adolescents are at a stage where they are developing autonomy and decision-making skills. Excluding them from decisions about their treatment could lead to feelings of powerlessness and hinder their sense of control.
Choice C rationale:
Emphasizing that the procedure is not a punishment (Choice C) might be suitable for younger children who might associate medical procedures with punishment. However, adolescents typically do not perceive medical procedures as punishments, so this explanation may not address their specific concerns.
Choice D rationale:
Keeping equipment out of the client's sight (Choice D) might be more relevant for younger children who might be frightened by medical equipment. Adolescents are generally better able to comprehend and cope with the presence of medical equipment. Open communication about the procedure and addressing their concerns directly would be more beneficial.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Answer: B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours.

Rationale:

  • A. Warm the skin prior to probe placement:While cold fingers can lead to inaccurate readings,warming the skin is not an essential step and is not routinely recommended in clinical practice.
  • B. Reposition the probe every 2 hours:This iscorrect.Continuous pressure from the probe in one spot can cause skin breakdown and pressure injuries.Repositioning the probe every 2 hours helps to prevent this and ensure accurate readings.
  • C. Tape the wire to the palm of the hand:This is incorrect.The pulse oximeter probe should be placed on a vascular site,such as a fingertip or earlobe.Taping the wire to the palm would not provide accurate readings.
  • D. Apply the sensor to the index fingernail:This is incorrect.The fingernail does not have sufficient blood flow for accurate pulse oximetry readings.The probe should be placed on the fleshy pad of the fingertip.

Therefore, the most important action for the nurse to take is to reposition the probe every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown and ensure accurate readings.

Additional Points:

  • The nurse should also choose a clean and dry site for probe placement.
  • The probe should be snug but not too tight.
  • The nurse should monitor the child for signs of skin breakdown,such as redness,swelling,or pain.
  • If the child is restless or active,the nurse may need to secure the probe with additional tape or a special wrap.

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