The nurse performs an assessment of a child with pertussis (whooping cough). Which finding would the nurse identify as indicative of a potential complication?

A. "Has your child been exposed to anyone with chicken pox?"
While chickenpox is caused by a different virus (varicella-zoster virus) and is not directly linked to rheumatic fever, the nurse might inquire about exposure to contagious illnesses as a general part of the assessment.
B. "Has any family member had a sore throat within the past few weeks?"
This question is relevant because rheumatic fever often follows an untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. A sore throat in a family member could indicate the presence of streptococcal infection, which is a crucial factor in the development of rheumatic fever.
C. "Has any family member had a gastrointestinal disorder in the past few weeks?"
Gastrointestinal disorders are not directly associated with the development of rheumatic fever. However, a comprehensive medical history might include questions about recent illnesses to understand the overall health context.
D. "Has your child had difficulty urinating?"
Difficulty urinating is not a typical symptom or risk factor associated with rheumatic fever. This symptom would likely prompt investigation into other potential issues but is not specifically related to rheumatic fever.

A. Use a padded tongue blade:
Incorrect: Inserting anything into the child's mouth, including a padded tongue blade, is not recommended during a seizure. It can lead to oral and airway injuries. It's important to keep the airway clear, but this is achieved by positioning the child laterally.
B. Position the child laterally.
Correct Answer: This is the correct action. Placing the child on their side helps prevent aspiration of fluids and promotes a clear airway during the seizure. It also reduces the risk of injury.
C. Restrain the child's arms:
Incorrect: Restraining the child's arms can increase the risk of injury and is not recommended during a seizure. It's crucial to ensure a safe environment and prevent injury, but physically restraining the child is not the appropriate approach.
D. Attempt to stop the seizure:
Incorrect: It is not within the nurse's capacity to immediately stop a seizure. Seizures are neurological events, and they need to run their course. The focus should be on ensuring the safety of the child during the seizure.