The nurse understands that hypospadias refers to what urinary anomaly?

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.

The correct answers are choices A, D, and E. Unequal waist angles, an uneven hemline, and asymmetry of the shoulders.

Choice A rationale:

Unequal waist angles can be an indication of scoliosis, a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. When the spine curves, it can cause one side of the waist to appear higher than the other, leading to unequal waist angles. This is a key physical finding in scoliosis assessment.

Choice B rationale:

Complaints of a sore back are a non-specific symptom and may not directly indicate scoliosis. While scoliosis can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, it's not the primary assessment finding that the nurse should expect to observe.

Choice C rationale:

Inability to bend at the waist is not a typical assessment finding of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily involves the lateral curvature of the spine, which can lead to visible asymmetry and postural changes rather than restrictions in bending.

Choice D rationale:

An uneven hemline can be a sign of scoliosis. When the spine curves, it can cause the hips and shoulders to become misaligned, leading to changes in the alignment of clothing and accessories, such as an uneven hemline.

Choice E rationale:

Asymmetry of the shoulders is a common manifestation of scoliosis. One shoulder may appear higher than the other due to the lateral curvature of the spine. This asymmetry is often more noticeable when the child is viewed from behind.