A nurse is reinforcing teaching about sibling adaptation with a parent of a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

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.

Choice A rationale:
Perfectionistic behavior is not typically considered a behavioral finding indicative of sexual abuse in a school-age child. Perfectionism may be related to personality traits, family dynamics, or individual tendencies, but it is not a specific behavioral marker for sexual abuse.
Choice B rationale:
Manipulative behavior is not a specific indicator of sexual abuse in a school-age child. Children can display manipulative behavior for various reasons, including seeking attention or attempting to control situations. While behavioral changes can occur in response to trauma, manipulative behavior alone does not necessarily point to sexual abuse.
Choice C rationale:
Withdrawn behavior is a possible indication of sexual abuse in a school-age child. Sexual abuse can cause emotional and psychological distress in children, leading them to withdraw from social interactions. They might become isolated, exhibit changes in their usual behavior, and show decreased interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
Choice D rationale:
Destructive behavior is not a prominent behavioral finding associated specifically with sexual abuse in a school-age child. Destructive behaviors can arise from a range of factors, including emotional difficulties, behavioral disorders, or reactions to stressors. While trauma like sexual abuse can influence behavior, it's not a defining characteristic of sexual abuse in isolation.