A preschool-aged child who is being tested for Streptococcal pharyngitis returns to the clinic for signs of scarlet fever. Which assessment finding
provides the clearest indication to the nurse that the child is experiencing a reaction to toxins that are created by Streptococcal bacteria.
Flushed, peeling skin
Red bumps across chest
White coating on tongue
High, protracted fever
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is A. Flushed, peeling skin
Choice A reason: Flushed, peeling skin is a classic sign of scarlet fever, which is a condition that can arise from Streptococcal pharyngitis. Scarlet fever is characterized by a red rash that can cover most of the body and may lead to the skin peeling. This symptom is a direct reaction to the toxins produced by the Streptococcal bacteria.
Choice B reason: Red bumps across the chest could be indicative of many conditions and are not specifically characteristic of the reaction to toxins produced by Streptococcal bacteria. While a rash is common in scarlet fever, it typically starts on the face or neck and spreads to the rest of the body, rather than presenting as isolated red bumps.
Choice C reason: A white coating on the tongue, often referred to as “strawberry tongue,” is indeed associated with scarlet fever. However, it is not the clearest indication of a reaction to the toxins. The white coating usually precedes the strawberry-like appearance, where the tongue becomes red and bumpy.
Choice D reason: While a high fever is a symptom of scarlet fever, it is not specific to the reaction to toxins from Streptococcal bacteria, as many infections can cause high fevers. The term “protracted” suggests a prolonged fever, which could be seen in various conditions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Scheduling the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck is not a priority action for the nurse. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the internal structures of the body. MRI of the neck may be useful to rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as tumors, abscesses, or foreign bodies, but it is not an urgent procedure. Moreover, MRI requires the child to lie still for a long time, which may be difficult or impossible for a child who is anxious and in respiratory distress.
Choice B reason: Providing a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators is not a suitable action for the nurse. Nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators may be helpful for children with respiratory distress caused by asthma, bronchiolitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child.
Choice C reason: Obtaining bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action for the nurse. Intubation is a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure the airway and provide ventilation. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube into the trachea to bypass the upper airway obstruction. Both procedures are life-saving interventions for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child. The nurse should prepare the necessary equipment and assist the healthcare provider in performing these procedures.
Choice D reason: Beginning prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration is not a relevant action for the nurse. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics may be indicated for children with respiratory distress caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by non-infectious causes, such as foreign bodies, anaphylaxis, or congenital anomalies. Moreover, antibiotics are not an immediate intervention for respiratory distress, as they take time to exert their effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Mark an outline of the 'olive-shaped' mass in the right epigastric area. This is not a priority action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the infant. The 'olive-shaped' mass is a sign of pyloric stenosis, but it does not affect the infant's hydration or nutrition.
Choice B: Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area. This is an important action, but not a priority before surgery. The parents need to know how to care for the incisional area after surgery, but this can be done later.
Choice C: Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings. This is a relevant action, but not a priority before surgery. The infant with pyloric stenosis may have vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance due to gastric outlet obstruction. Monitoring intake and output can help assess the severity of these problems, but it does not correct them.
Choice D: Initiate a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription. This is the priority action before surgery, as it can prevent or treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the infant. IV fluids can also help maintain blood volume and perfusion during surgery.
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