A nurse is monitoring an infant who is 6 months old and has sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, intermittent fever, and apneic spells. The nurse should recognize these findings are consistent with which of the following diagnoses?
Epiglottitis
Bronchiolitis
Influenza
Croup
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the entrance to the trachea. It can block the airway and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of epiglottitis include drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, high fever, and tripod position. Epiglottitis is rare in infants and more common in children aged 2-6 years.
Choice B reason: Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation and mucus production in the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs. It can impair gas exchange and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, and apneic spells. Bronchiolitis is common in infants and children under 2 years of age, especially during the winter months.
Choice C reason: Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Influenza can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. Influenza is common in children and adults of all ages, especially during the flu season.
Choice D reason: Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the larynx and trachea. It can cause a characteristic barking cough, hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress. Croup is common in children aged 6 months to 3 years, especially during the fall and winter months.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a condition in which the pyloric sphincter becomes thickened and obstructs the passage of food from the stomach to the duodenum. It causes projectile vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss, but not a palpable mass or bloody stools.
Choice B reason: Intussusception is a condition in which a segment of the intestine telescopes into another segment, causing obstruction, inflammation, and ischemia. It causes a palpable mass in the upper right quadrant, abdominal pain, and stools mixed with blood and mucus, also known as "currant jelly" stools.
Choice C reason: Inguinal hernia is a condition in which a part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the inguinal canal. It causes a bulge in the groin area, especially when the infant cries or strains. It does not cause a mass in the upper right quadrant or bloody stools.
Choice D reason: Tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital anomaly in which there is an abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus. It causes excessive drooling, choking, coughing, and cyanosis during feeding, but not a palpable mass or bloody stools.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement indicates a need for clarification, as sodium biphosphate/sodium phosphate is a laxative that can cause bowel perforation in a child with appendicitis. The nurse should question this prescription and avoid giving it to the child.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct, as maintaining NPO status is a standard intervention for a child with suspected appendicitis. It prevents further irritation of the appendix and prepares the child for possible surgery.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as monitoring oral temperature every 4 hours is a way to assess for signs of infection and inflammation in a child with suspected appendicitis. The nurse should also monitor for other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rebound tenderness.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as medicating the client for pain every 4 hours as needed is a way to provide comfort and relief for a child with suspected appendicitis. The nurse should use a pain scale to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and report any changes in the pain level or location.
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