The nurse provides home care instructions to the parents of a child hospitalized with pertussis who is in the convalescent stage and is being prepared for discharge. Which statement by a parent indicates a need for further instruction?
Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke."
We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks.
"We need to encourage our child to drink fluids.
Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Irritants like dust or smoke can trigger coughing spells in a child recovering from pertussis.
B. We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks.
Correct Answer: Pertussis is highly contagious during the catarrhal and paroxysmal stages, but once the child has reached the convalescent stage (usually after 2-4 weeks of illness), the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly. Continuing strict droplet precautions and a quiet environment for two weeks after the convalescent stage is not necessary.
C. "We need to encourage our child to drink fluids":
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Encouraging fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially during coughing spells.
D. Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Vomiting can be a common occurrence during coughing episodes in pertussis due to the forceful nature of the cough. Parents should be aware of this symptom.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Contact the assigned emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway
Explanation:
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to airway obstruction. The classic signs and symptoms include a high fever, difficulty swallowing, voice hoarseness, inspiratory stridor, and sternal retractions. Immediate intervention may be necessary to secure the airway. Therefore, contacting the emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway (such as intubation) is a priority.
B. Administer intravenous corticosteroids
Explanation: While corticosteroids may be used in the management of epiglottitis to reduce airway inflammation, securing the airway is the priority in the acute phase. Corticosteroids would typically be administered after securing the airway.
C. Obtain a throat culture
Explanation: Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate priority in the case of suspected epiglottitis. Prompt intervention to secure the airway takes precedence over diagnostic tests.
D. Inspect the throat to obtain further data to support the diagnosis
Explanation: Direct visualization of the throat (inspection) may exacerbate the airway obstruction and is not recommended in the acute management of suspected epiglottitis. The priority is to secure the airway while minimizing agitation and discomfort for the child. Diagnostic procedures, such as obtaining a throat culture, can be considered after the airway is stabilized.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. That lethargy and vomiting are normal with mumps:
Incorrect: Lethargy and vomiting are not typical symptoms of mumps. These symptoms could indicate a separate issue that requires medical attention.
B. To continue to monitor the child:
Incorrect: Given the reported symptoms of lethargy and vomiting, a passive approach of continuing to monitor may delay necessary medical intervention. The child should be assessed promptly.
C. To bring the child to the clinic to be seen by the pediatrician:
Correct Answer: Lethargy and vomiting are not typical symptoms of uncomplicated mumps. These symptoms could be indicative of other issues, and it's important for the pediatrician to evaluate the child to determine the cause and provide appropriate care.
D. That there is nothing to be concerned about as long as there is no fever:
Incorrect: While fever is a common symptom of mumps, the absence of fever does not negate the need for further evaluation when there are concerning symptoms like lethargy and vomiting. The child should be seen by a healthcare provider to determine the cause of these symptoms.
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