The parent of a hospitalized 2-year-old child with viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) asks the nurse why the pediatrician did not prescribe antibiotics. Which response would the nurse make?
The child is too young to receive antibiotics
"Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present.
The child may be allergic to antibiotics.
The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics
The Correct Answer is B
A. The child is too young to receive antibiotics: This statement doesn't address the actual reason for not prescribing antibiotics for croup, which is primarily due to its viral nature.
B. "Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present."
Explanation:
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, unless a bacterial infection is also present, prescribing antibiotics is not necessary or beneficial in treating croup.
C. The child may be allergic to antibiotics: While antibiotic allergies are a consideration, it doesn't explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for viral illnesses like croup.
D. The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics: Maternal antibodies can offer some protection against infections, but the primary reason for not using antibiotics in viral infections like croup is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The immunization schedule will need to be altered."
Incorrect: This is too vague and does not provide specific information about the child's immunization schedule.
B. "The child will receive all of the immunizations except for the polio series."
Incorrect: There is no indication that the child should not receive the polio vaccine. Children with cystic fibrosis are generally recommended to receive all appropriate vaccinations.
C. "The child will receive the recommended basic series of immunizations along with a yearly influenza vaccination."
Correct Answer: Children with cystic fibrosis should receive the recommended basic series of immunizations, including vaccines for diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, and others. Additionally, they should receive a yearly influenza vaccination to help prevent respiratory complications.
D. "The child should not receive any hepatitis vaccines."
Incorrect: There is no general contraindication for children with cystic fibrosis to receive hepatitis vaccines. The nurse should recommend the appropriate vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, as per the standard immunization schedule.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Explanation: Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for adolescents, particularly before starting college, as it helps protect against meningococcal disease. The conjugate form of the vaccine is usually preferred over the polysaccharide form.
B. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Explanation: Pneumococcal vaccine is generally recommended for older adults and individuals with specific medical conditions, but it may not be part of routine immunizations for healthy adolescents.
C. Influenza vaccine
Explanation:
Influenza vaccine is recommended annually for adolescents as part of routine immunizations. It helps protect against the seasonal flu, which can cause significant illness and complications.
D. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine
Explanation: BCG vaccine is primarily used in some countries to prevent tuberculosis. It is not routinely administered in the United States as part of standard immunization schedules for adolescents.
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