A nurse suspects that a three-year-old child may have rubella based on presenting symptoms. Which of the following questions asked by the nurse (directed at the parents) will be most effective in determining how the child was exposed to the virus?
Whom has the child come into contact with over the last three weeks?
Are your child's immunizations up to date?
What medications have you given your child?
When did you first notice the rash?
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as asking about the child's contacts over the last three weeks can help the nurse identify the possible source of infection and the risk of transmission. Rubella is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person. The incubation period of rubella is 14 to 21 days, meaning that the child could have been exposed to the virus up to three weeks before developing symptoms.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as asking about the child's immunizations is not the most effective way to determine how the child was exposed to the virus. Although immunization can prevent rubella infection, it is not 100% effective, and some children may still get the disease despite being vaccinated. The nurse should also consider other factors, such as the child's medical history, travel history, and exposure to other people with rash or fever.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as asking about the medications given to the child is not the most effective way to determine how the child was exposed to the virus. Medications can help relieve the symptoms of rubella, such as fever, rash, or joint pain, but they do not affect the transmission or the course of the infection. The nurse should focus on the epidemiological aspects of the disease, such as the mode of transmission, the incubation period, and the contagious period.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as asking about the onset of the rash is not the most effective way to determine how the child was exposed to the virus. The rash of rubella usually appears 14 to 17 days after exposure, and lasts for about three days. However, the child can be contagious from seven days before to seven days after the rash appears, meaning that the child could have been exposed to the virus up to four weeks before or after the rash. The nurse should ask about the child's contacts during this period, not just the rash.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the symptoms described by the mother are not typical of a formula allergy. A formula allergy would cause symptoms such as rash, hives, wheezing, or vomiting within minutes or hours of feeding. Switching to a soy based formula is not recommended without consulting a doctor, as some infants may also be allergic to soy.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because feeding the infant after vomiting and diarrhea may worsen the condition and cause more dehydration. The infant should be given small amounts of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or breastmilk to prevent fluid loss. If the infant cannot tolerate oral fluids or shows signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or lethargy, they should be taken to the emergency department for intravenous rehydration.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because blood and mucous in the stool are not normal findings in infants and should be investigated promptly. They may indicate a serious condition such as intussusception, which is a telescoping of the bowel that causes obstruction and inflammation. The stool may look like currant jelly due to the presence of blood and mucous. Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice D reason: This is correct because the infant's symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as intussusception, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The infant should be taken to the emergency room for further evaluation and management. The nurse should also advise the mother to monitor the infant's vital signs, hydration status, and urine output until they reach the hospital.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as sodium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Sodium excess, or hypernatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is too high, which can result from excessive intake or loss of water. The symptoms of sodium excess may include thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as overhydration is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Overhydration, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body has too much fluid, which can result from excessive intake or retention of water. The symptoms of overhydration may include edema, weight gain, shortness of breath, or crackles in the lungs.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as dehydration is the most likely cause of the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate intake of water. The symptoms of dehydration may include dry skin, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, or lethargy.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as calcium excess is not likely to cause the symptoms of poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia in an infant. Calcium excess, or hypercalcemia, is a condition where the blood calcium level is too high, which can result from hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium. The symptoms of calcium excess may include nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, or kidney stones.
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