The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a child following a comprehensive health history. What should be the focus of the physical examination?

A. Use quick deliberate gestures to get your point across.

Using quick gestures may intimidate or overwhelm the child, potentially hindering communication. It's essential to approach the child with patience and attentiveness.

B. Allow the child to control the pace and order of the health history.

Allowing the child to dictate the pace and sequence of the health history empowers them and helps build trust. It allows the child to express themselves comfortably and share relevant

information at their own pace.

C. Do not make physical contact with the child during the interview.

While respecting the child's personal space is important, appropriate physical contact, such as a reassuring touch or handshake, can help establish rapport and comfort during the interview.

D. Wear a white examination coat when conducting the interview.

Wearing a white coat may create a sense of formality and authority that could intimidate the child. Opting for attire that is approachable and friendly can help put the child at ease and facilitate open communication.

A. Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis typically presents with rapid onset of severe sore throat, high fever, difficulty swallowing, and drooling due to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention but is less likely to present with the described symptoms.

B. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis commonly occurs in infants and young children, often during the winter months. It is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, fever, and

respiratory distress. The described symptoms, including coughing, nasal congestion, and intermittent fever, align with bronchiolitis.

C. Influenza

Influenza typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. While coughing and fever are common symptoms of influenza, the presence of apneic spells is less typical of influenza and more indicative of lower respiratory tract infections like bronchiolitis.

D. Croup

Croup is characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and respiratory distress often accompanied by stridor. While croup shares some symptoms with bronchiolitis, such as coughing, the absence of stridor in the description suggests bronchiolitis as a more likely diagnosis.