The nurse is admitting a child with rheumatic fever. Which therapeutic management should the nurse expect to implement?
Imposing strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks.
Administering corticosteroids if chorea develops.
Administering penicillin.
Avoiding salicylates (aspirin).
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Administering penicillin.
Choice A rationale:
Imposing strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks. This choice is not the most appropriate therapeutic management for rheumatic fever. While rest is important during the acute phase, strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks is excessive and could lead to physical deconditioning and psychological distress for the child.
Choice B rationale:
Administering corticosteroids if chorea develops. This choice is relevant to the management of rheumatic fever but is not the primary treatment. Chorea is a movement disorder that can occur as a complication of rheumatic fever. Corticosteroids may be used to manage chorea symptoms, but they are not the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever itself.
Choice C rationale:
Administering penicillin. This is the correct choice. Penicillin is the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever. It helps eradicate the group A streptococcal infection that triggers the inflammatory response leading to rheumatic fever. Penicillin is essential to prevent further complications such as rheumatic heart disease.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding salicylates (aspirin). This choice is also relevant to the management of rheumatic fever. Salicylates, including aspirin, are used to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. However, in children with acute rheumatic fever, salicylates are contraindicated due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that affects the brain and liver.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Epiglottitis.
Choice A rationale:
Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) is a viral infection commonly known as "croup." While it can cause airway inflammation and respiratory distress, it is usually not considered a medical emergency. LTB is characterized by barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness. It typically responds well to supportive care, humidity, and sometimes oral corticosteroids.
Choice B rationale:
Spasmodic croup is another type of viral croup, often triggered by allergies or irritants. It is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, usually at night, including stridor and a barking cough. While it can be distressing, it is generally not considered a medical emergency. It usually responds to humidity and sometimes oral corticosteroids.
Choice C rationale:
Laryngitis involves inflammation of the larynx and is often caused by viral infections or excessive voice use. While it can lead to hoarseness and voice changes, it does not typically cause severe respiratory distress and is not considered a medical emergency. Resting the voice and staying hydrated are common interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing. It can rapidly progress to airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Children with epiglottitis often assume a "tripod" position, leaning forward to maintain an open airway. Immediate medical intervention, including securing the airway and administering antibiotics, is crucial.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Treating the underlying disease.
Choice A rationale:
Administration of digoxin. Administering digoxin is not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it is not a primary intervention for hypertension. The rationale for this choice being incorrect lies in the fact that digoxin primarily affects the heart's contractility and is not a preferred option for managing high blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Weight control and diet. Weight control and dietary modifications are important aspects of managing hypertension, both primary and secondary. However, they are not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these lifestyle modifications can contribute to blood pressure reduction, the primary focus in secondary hypertension is to identify and address the underlying condition causing the high blood pressure.
Choice C rationale:
Treating the underlying disease. Correct Answer. The initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension is to address the underlying disease or condition that is causing the elevated blood pressure. Unlike primary hypertension, which often lacks a specific underlying cause, secondary hypertension results from an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Treating the root cause can lead to blood pressure normalization.
Choice D rationale:
Administration of β-adrenergic receptor blockers. Administering β-adrenergic receptor blockers is not typically the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these medications can lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline and reducing heart rate, they are not the first-line approach for addressing the underlying cause of secondary hypertension.
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