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","B","E"]
Explanation
A."The manifestations are lessened by taking the prednisone every other day instead of daily."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics can be related to prolonged corticosteroid use. Adjusting the dosing schedule, such as administering prednisone every other day instead of daily, may help minimize these manifestations.
B."You need to be sure to talk to the doctor about the Cushingoid characteristics."
Explanation: Open communication with the healthcare provider is crucial. Discussing the concerns about Cushingoid characteristics with the doctor allows for appropriate evaluation and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.
C."Which manifestations of this condition do you find most troublesome?"
Explanation: This question opens the discussion to identify specific concerns and allows the nurse to address them individually.
D."I am sure it will be all right; they hardly look unusual."
Explanation: This statement may downplay the parents' concerns. It's essential to acknowledge their worries and provide accurate information about the potential impact of corticosteroids and the plan for managing Cushingoid characteristics.
E."The Cushingoid appearance will gradually disappear once the corticosteroids are tapered and discontinued."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics are associated with the side effects of corticosteroid use. The nurse should provide reassurance that, in many cases, these characteristics can gradually improve once the corticosteroid dose is tapered and eventually discontinued.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. When a parent is holding the infant
Explanation: Being held by a parent is generally a comforting and calming experience for an infant, and it is unlikely to significantly increase oxygen demand. In fact, the presence of a familiar caregiver may help reduce stress.
B. During sleep
Explanation: During sleep, an infant's oxygen demand may decrease, and oxygen supplementation may not be necessary unless there are specific indications or concerns about oxygen saturation levels.
C. When changing the infant's diapers
Explanation: Changing a diaper is a routine care activity that is not likely to significantly increase oxygen demand. It is not typically associated with stress or increased metabolic activity that would necessitate additional oxygen.
D. When drawing blood for electrolyte level testing
Explanation:
Drawing blood for electrolyte level testing is a potentially stressful procedure that may cause distress and anxiety in the infant. Stress and anxiety can increase the metabolic rate and oxygen demand. In a situation where an infant is already prescribed oxygen as needed for heart failure, additional stressors like blood drawing may necessitate the administration of oxygen to ensure an adequate oxygen supply
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