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

Choice A rationale:
Allowing an adolescent driver to answer their phone while driving can lead to distraction, increasing the risk of accidents. Engaging in conversations on the phone diverts the driver's attention from the road, which is unsafe. It's crucial for drivers, especially new ones, to focus solely on driving to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct. Not answering the phone while driving is a responsible behavior that indicates an understanding of the dangers of distracted driving. Parents should encourage their children to focus on the road and avoid distractions like phone calls, promoting safe driving practices.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Adolescents should continue wearing helmets when riding their bikes even after age 13. Wearing helmets helps prevent head injuries in case of accidents. While older adolescents might perceive themselves as less prone to accidents, they are still at risk, and helmets are essential for their safety.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is correct. Wearing appropriate protective clothing, like long pants, while driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is crucial. Long pants can provide some degree of protection against scrapes, scratches, and minor injuries that can occur while operating an ATV. It's a safety measure that shows an understanding of the importance of protective gear.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Administering an oral corticosteroid is not the first action the nurse should take. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy. However, they are usually prescribed if the symptoms are severe or if the rash covers a large area of the body. It’s important to note that corticosteroids can have side effects, especially when used for a long time, so they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale: Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe the skin and relieve itching caused by poison ivy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The first step is to remove the oil from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion can be applied after the area has been thoroughly washed.

Choice C rationale: Instructing the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. Similar to calamine lotion, an oatmeal bath can be beneficial after the area has been thoroughly washed to remove the oil from the skin.

Choice D rationale: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a child exposed to poison ivy is to flush the area with cold, running water. This helps to remove the oil (urushiol) from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after exposure to help prevent the spread of the oil to other areas of the body or to other people. After flushing the area, the nurse can then apply calamine lotion or recommend an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin and relieve itching.