Davis Pediatrics Respiratory Disorders NCLEX Questions

Question 1

A 2-year-old has just been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). The parents ask the nurse what early respiratory symptoms they should expect to see in their child. Which is the nurse’s best response?

1. “You can expect your child to develop a barrel-shaped chest.”
2. “You can expect your child to develop a chronic productive cough.”
3. “You can expect your child to develop bronchiectasis.” 4. “You can expect your child to develop wheezing respirations.”

Answer 1

4. Wheezing respirations and a dry, nonproductive cough are common early symptoms in CF.

Question 2

A 3-year-old is brought to the ER with coughing and gagging. The parent reports that the child was eating carrots when she began to gag. Which diagnostic evaluation will be used to determine if the child has aspirated carrots?

1. Chest x-ray.
2. Bronchoscopy.
3. Arterial blood gas (ABG).
4. Sputum culture.

Answer 2

2. A bronchoscopy will allow the physician to visualize the airway and will help determine if the child aspirated the carrot.

Question 3

A 5-year-old is brought to the ER with a temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C), a barky cough, stridor, and hoarseness. Which nursing intervention should the nurse prepare for? 1. Immediate IV placement.

2. Respiratory treatment of racemic epinephrine.
3. A tracheostomy set at the bedside.
4. Informing the child’s parents about a tonsillectomy.

Answer 3

2. The child has stridor, indicating airway edema, which can be relieved by aerosolized racemic epinephrine.

Question 4

A 6-week-old is admitted to the hospital with influenza. The child is crying, and the father tells the nurse that his son is hungry. The nurse explains that the baby is not to have anything by mouth. The parent does not understand why the child cannot eat. Which is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

1. “We are giving your child intravenous fluids, so there is no need for anything by mouth.”
2. “The shorter and narrower airway of infants increases their chances of aspiration so your child should not have anything to eat now.”
3. “When your child eats, he burns too many calories; we want to conserve the child’s energy.”
4. “Your child has too much nasal congestion; if we feed the child by mouth, the distress will likely increase.”

Answer 4

2. Infants are at higher risk of aspiration because their airways are shorter and narrower than those of adults. An infant with influenza has lots of nasal secretions and coughs up mucus. With all the secretions, the infant is at an even higher risk of aspiration.

Question 5

A 7-month-old has a low-grade fever, nasal congestion, and a mild cough. What should the nursing care management of this child include? 1. Maintaining strict bedrest. 2. Avoiding contact with family members. 3. Instilling saline nose drops and bulb suctioning. 4. Keeping the head of the bed flat.

Answer 5

3. Infants are nose breathers and often have increased difficulty when they are congested. Nasal saline drops and gentle suctioning with a bulb syringe are often recommended

Question 6

A child is complaining of throat pain. Which statement by the mother indicates that she needs more education regarding the care and treatment of her daughter’s pharyngitis? 1. “I will have my daughter gargle with salt water three times a day.” 2. “I will offer my daughter ice chips several times a day.” 3. “I will give my daughter Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours as needed.” 4. “I will ask the nurse practitioner for some amoxicillin.”

Answer 6

4. Pharyngitis is a self-limiting viral illness that does not require antibiotic therapy. Pharyngitis should be treated with rest and comfort measures, including Tylenol, throat sprays, cold liquids, and Popsicles.

Question 7

A child with severe cerebral palsy is admitted to the hospital with aspiration pneumo- nia. What is the most beneficial educational information that the nurse can provide to the parents? 1. The signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia. 2. The treatment plan for aspiration pneumonia. 3. The risks associated with recurrent aspiration pneumonia. 4. The prevention of aspiration pneumonia.

Answer 7

4. The most valuable information the nurse can give the parents is how to prevent aspiration pneumonia from occurring in the future.

Question 8

A child’s parent asks the nurse what treatment the child will need for the diagnosis of strep throat. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Your child will be sent home on bedrest and should recover in a few days without any intervention.” 2. “Your child will need to have the tonsils removed to prevent future strep infections.” 3. “Your child will need oral penicillin for 10 days and should feel better in a few days.” 4. “Your child will need to be admitted to the hospital for 5 days of intravenous antibiotics.”

Answer 8

3. The child will need a 10-day course of penicillin to treat the strep infection. It is essential that the nurse always tell the family that, although the child will feel better in a few days, the entire course of antibiotics must be completed.

Question 9

A chloride level greater than _____________________ is a positive diagnostic indicator of cystic fibrosis (CF).

Answer 9

60 mEq/L. The definitive diagnosis of CF is made when a child has a sweat chloride level >60 mEq/L. A normal chloride level is <40 mEq/L.

Question 10

A mother is crying and tells the nurse that she should have brought her son in yesterday when he said his throat was sore. Which is the nurse’s best response to this parent whose child is diagnosed with epiglottitis and is in severe distress and in need of intubation? 1. “Children this age rarely get epiglottitis; you should not blame yourself.” 2. “It is always better to have your child evaluated at the first sign of illness rather than wait until symptoms worsen.” 3. “Epiglottitis is slowly progressive, so early intervention may have decreased the extent of your son’s symptoms.” 4. “Epiglottitis is rapidly progressive; you could not have predicted his symptoms would worsen so quickly.”

Answer 10

4. Epiglottitis is rapidly progressive and cannot be predicted.

Question 11

A parent asks how to care for a child at home who has the diagnosis of viral tonsillitis. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “You will need to give your child a prescribed antibiotic for 10 days.” 2. “You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks.” 3. “You can give your child Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.” 4. “You can place warm towels around your child’s neck for comfort.”

Answer 11

3. Tylenol is recommended PRN for pain relief.

Question 12

A parent asks the nurse how it will be determined if their child has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “We will do a simple blood test to determine whether your child has RSV.” 2. “There is no specific test for RSV. The diagnosis is made based on the child’s symptoms.” 3. “We will swab your child’s nose and send that specimen for testing.” 4. “We will have to send a viral culture to an outside lab for testing.”

Answer 12

3. The child is swabbed for nasal secretions. The secretions are tested to determine if a child has RSV.

Question 13

A parent asks the nurse what will need to be done to relieve the constipation of her child who also has cystic fibrosis (CF). Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Your child likely has an obstruction and will require surgery.” 2. “Your child will likely be given IV fluids.” 3. “Your child will likely be given MiraLAX.” 4. “Your child will be placed on a clear liquid diet.”

Answer 13

3. CF patients with constipation commonly receive a stool softener or an osmotic solution such as polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX) orally to relieve their constipation.

Question 14

A school-age child has been diagnosed with nasopharyngitis. The parent is concerned because the child has had little or no appetite for the last 24 hours. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Do not be concerned; it is common for children to have a decreased appetite during a respiratory illness.” 2. “Be sure your child is taking an adequate amount of fluids. The appetite should return soon.” 3. “Try offering the child some favorite food. Maybe that will improve the appetite.” 4. “You need to force your child to eat whatever you can; adequate nutrition is essential.”

Answer 14

2. It is common for children to have a decreased appetite when they have a respiratory illness. The nurse is appropriately instructing the parent that the child will be fine by taking in an adequate amount of fluid.

Question 15

A school-age child has been diagnosed with strep throat. The parent asks the nurse when the child can return to school. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Forty-eight hours after the first documented normal temperature.” 2. “Twenty-four hours after the first dose of antibiotics.” 3. “Forty-eight hours after the first dose of antibiotics.” 4. “Twenty-four hours after the first documented normal temperature.”

Answer 15

2. Children with strep throat are no longer contagious 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic therapy.

Question 16

A school-age child is admitted to the hospital for a tonsillectomy. During the nurse’s post-operative assessment, the child’s parent tells the nurse that the child is in pain. Which of the following observations would be of most concern to the nurse? 1. The child’s heart rate and blood pressure are elevated. 2. The child complains of having a sore throat. 3. The child is refusing to eat solid foods. 4. The child is swallowing excessively.

Answer 16

4. Excessive swallowing is a sign that the child is swallowing blood. This should be considered a medical emergency, and the physician should be contacted immediately. The child is likely bleeding and will need to return to surgery

Question 17

An infant is not sleeping well, crying frequently, has yellow drainage from the ear, and is diagnosed with an ear infection. Which nursing objective is the priority for the family? 1. Educating the parents about signs and symptoms of an ear infection. 2. Providing emotional support for the parents. 3. Providing pain relief for the child. 4. Promoting the flow of drainage from the ear.

Answer 17

3. Providing pain relief for the infant is essential. With pain relief, the child will likely stop crying and rest better.

Question 18

How does the nurse interpret the laboratory analysis of a stool sample containing excessive amounts of azotorrhea and steatorrhea in a child with cystic fibrosis (CF)? The values indicate the child is 1. Not compliant with taking her vitamins. 2. Not compliant with taking her enzymes. 3. Eating too many foods high in fat. 4. Eating too many foods high in fiber.

Answer 18

2. If the child were not taking enzymes, the result would be a large amount of undigested food, azotorrhea, and steatorrhea in the stool. Pancreatic ducts in CF patients become clogged with thick mucus that blocks the flow of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum. Therefore, patients must take digestive enzymes with all meals and snacks to aid in absorption of nutrients. Often, teens are noncompliant with their medication regimen because they want to be like their peers. TIPS - Steatorrhea is an increased amount of fat in the stool. However, in CF patients, it is not a result of eating too many fatty foods.

Question 19

How will a child with respiratory distress and stridor and who is diagnosed with RSV be treated? 1. Intravenous antibiotics. 2. Intravenous steroids. 3. Nebulized racemic epinephrine. 4. Alternating doses of Tylenol and Motrin.

Answer 19

3. Racemic epinephrine promotes mucosal vasoconstriction.

Question 20

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with the parents of a child who had a tonsillectomy 24 hours ago. The parents tell the nurse that the child is a big eater, and they want to know what foods to give the child for the next 24 hours. What is the nurse’s best response? 1. “The child’s diet should not be restricted at all.” 2. “The child’s diet should be restricted to clear liquids.” 3. “The child’s diet should be restricted to ice cream and cold liquids.” 4. “The child’s diet should be restricted to soft foods.”

Answer 20

4. Soft foods are recommended to limit the child’s pain and to decrease the risk for bleeding.

Question 21

The parent of a 4-month-old with cystic fibrosis (CF) asks the nurse what time to begin the child’s first chest physiotherapy (CPT) each day. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Thirty minutes before feeding the child breakfast.” 2. “After deep-suctioning the child each morning.” 3. “Thirty minutes after feeding the child breakfast.” 4. “Only when the child has congestion or coughing.”

Answer 21

1. CPT should be done in the morning prior to feeding to avoid the risk of the child vomiting

Question 22

The parent of a 9-month-old calls the ER because his child is choking on a marble. The parent asks how to help his child while awaiting Emergency Medical Services. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “You should administer five abdominal thrusts followed by five back blows.” 2. “You should try to retrieve the object by inserting your finger in your child’s mouth.” 3. “You should perform the Heimlich maneuver.” 4. “You should administer five back blows followed by five chest thrusts.”

Answer 22

4. The current recommendation for infants younger than 1 year is to 72 PEDIATRIC SUCCESS administer five back blows followed by five chest thrusts.

Question 23

The parent of a child with croup tells the nurse that her other child just had croup and it cleared up in a couple of days without intervention. She asks the nurse why this child is exhibiting worse symptoms and needs to be hospitalized. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Some children just react differently to viruses. It is best to treat each child as an individual.” 2. “Younger children have wider airways that make it easier for bacteria to enter and colonize.” 3. “Younger children have short and wide eustachian tubes, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections.” 4. “Children younger than 3 years usually exhibit worse symptoms because their immune systems are not as developed.”

Answer 23

4. Younger children have less developed immune systems and usually exhibit worse symptoms than older children

Question 24

The parent of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) is excited about the possibility of the child receiving a double lung transplant. What should the parent understand? 1. The transplant will cure the child of CF and allow the child to lead a long and healthy life. 2. The transplant will not cure the child of CF but will allow the child to have a longer life. 3. The transplant will help to reverse the multisystem damage that has been caused by CF. 4. The transplant will be the child’s only chance at surviving long enough to graduate college.

Answer 24

2. A lung transplant does not cure CF, but it does offer the patient an opportunity to live a longer life. The concerns are that, after the lung transplant, the child is at risk for rejection of the new organ and for development of secondary infections because of the immunosuppressive therapy.

Question 25

The parent of a child with frequent ear infections asks the nurse if there is anything that can be done to help avoid future ear infections. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Your child should be put on a daily dose of Singulair (montelukast).” 2. “Your child should be kept away from tobacco smoke.” 3. “Your child should be kept away from other children with otitis media.” 4. “Your child should always wear a hat when outside.”

Answer 25

2. Tobacco smoke has been proved to increase the incidence of ear infections. The tobacco smoke damages mucociliary function, prolonging the CHAPTER 4 RESPIRATORY DISORDERS 67 inflammatory process and impeding drainage through the eustachian tube.

Question 26

The parent of a child with influenza asks the nurse when the child is most infectious. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Twenty-four hours before and after the onset of symptoms.” 2. “Twenty-four hours after the onset of symptoms.” 3. “One week after the onset of symptoms.” 4. “One week before the onset of symptoms.”

Answer 26

1. Influenza is most contagious 24 hours before and 24 hours after onset of symptoms.

Question 27

The parent of an infant with cystic fibrosis (CF) asks the nurse how to meet the child’s increased nutritional needs. Which is the nurse’s best suggestion? 1. “You may need to increase the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you give your child.” 2. “You may need to advance your child’s diet to whole cow’s milk because it is higher in fat than formula.” 3. “You may need to change your child to a higher-calorie formula.” 4. “You may need to increase your child’s carbohydrate intake.”

Answer 27

3. Often infants with CF need to have a higher-calorie formula to meet their nutritional needs. Infants may also be placed on hydrolysate formulas that contain medium-chain triglycerides.

Question 28

The parents of a 5-week-old have just been told that their child has cystic fibrosis (CF). The mother had a sister who died of CF when she was 19 years of age. The parents are sad and ask the nurse about the current projected life expectancy. What is the nurse’s best response? 1. “The life expectancy for CF patients has improved significantly in recent years.” 2. “Your child might not follow the same course that the mother’s sister did.” 3. “The physician will come to speak to you about treatment options.” 4. The nurse answers their questions briefly, listens to their concerns, and is available later after they’ve processed the information.

Answer 28

4. The nurse’s best intervention is to let the parents express their concerns and fears. The nurse should be available if the parents have any other concerns or questions or if they just need someone with whom to talk.

Question 29

The parents of a 6-year-old who has a new diagnosis of asthma ask the nurse what to do to make their home a more allergy-free environment. Which is the nurse’s best response? 1. “Use a humidifier in your child’s room.” 2. “Have your carpet cleaned chemically once a month.” 3. “Wash household pets weekly.” 4. “Avoid purchasing upholstered furniture.”

Answer 29

4. Leather furniture is recommended rather than upholstered furniture. Upholstered furniture can harbor large amounts of dust, whereas leather furniture may be wiped off regularly with a damp cloth.

Question 30

What does the therapeutic management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients include? Select all that apply. 1. Providing a high-protein, high-calorie diet. 2. Providing a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. 3. Encouraging exercise. 4. Minimizing pulmonary complication. 5. Encouraging medication compliance.

Answer 30

1, 3, 4, 5. 1. Children with CF have difficulty absorbing nutrients because of the blockage of the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes cannot reach the duodenum to aid in digestion of food. These children often require up to 150% of the caloric intake of their peers. The nutritional recommendation for CF patients is high-calorie and high-protein. 3. Exercise is effective in helping CF patients clear secretions. 4. Minimizing pulmonary complications is essential to a better outcome for CF patients. Compliance with CPT, nebulizer treatments, and medications are all components of minimizing pulmonary complications. 5. Medication compliance is a necessary part of maintaining pulmonary and gastrointestinal function.

Question 31

What information should the nurse provide the parent of a child diagnosed with nasopharyngitis? 1. Complete the entire prescription of antibiotics. 2. Avoid sending the child to day care. 3. Use comfort measures for the child. 4. Restrict the child to clear liquids for 24 hours.

Answer 31

3. Nursing care for nasopharyngitis is primarily supportive. Keeping the child comfortable during the course of the illness is all the parents can do. Nasal congestion can be relieved using normal saline drops and bulb suction. Tylenol can also be given for discomfort or a mild fever.

Question 32

What is the most important piece of information that the nurse must ask the parent of a child in status asthmaticus? 1. “What time did your child eat last?” 2. “Has your child been exposed to any of the usual asthma triggers?” 3. “When was your child last admitted to the hospital for asthma?” 4. “When was your child’s last dose of medication?”

Answer 32

4. The nurse needs to know what medication the child had last and when the child took it in order to know how to begin treatment for the current asthmatic condition.

Question 33

What should be the nurse’s first action with a child who has a high fever, dysphagia, drooling, tachycardia, and tachypnea? 1. Immediate IV placement. 2. Immediate respiratory treatment. 3. Thorough physical assessment. 4. Lateral neck radiographs..

Answer 33

4. This child is exhibiting signs and symptoms of epiglottitis and should be kept as comfortable as possible. The child should be allowed to remain in the parent’s lap until a lateral neck film is obtained for a definitive diagnosis.

Question 34

What would the nurse advise the parent of a child with a barky cough that gets worse at night? 1. Take the child outside into the more humid night air for 15 minutes. 2. Take the child to the ER immediately. 3. Give the child an over-the-counter cough suppressant. 4. Give the child warm liquids to soothe the throat.

Answer 34

1. The night air will help decrease subglottic edema, easing the child’s respiratory effort. The coughing should diminish significantly, and the child should be able to rest comfortably. If the symptoms do not improve after taking the child outside, the parent should have the child seen by a health-care provider.

Question 35

Which assessment is of greatest concern in a 15-month-old? 1. The child is lying down, has moderate retractions, low-grade fever, and nasal congestion. 2. The child is in the tripod position, has diminished breath sounds, and a muffled cough. 3. The child is sitting up and has coarse breath sounds, coughing, and fussiness. 4. The child is restless and crying, has bilateral wheezes, and is feeding poorly.

Answer 35

2. When children are sitting in the tripod position, they are having difficulty breathing. The child is sitting and leaning forward in order to breathe more easily. Diminished breath sounds are indicative of a worsening condition. A muffled cough indicates that the child has some subglottic edema. This child has several signs and symptoms of a worsening respiratory condition.

Question 36

Which breathing exercises should the nurse have an asthmatic 3-year-old child do to increase her expiratory phase? 1. Use an incentive spirometer. 2. Breathe into a paper bag. 3. Blow a pinwheel. 4. Take several deep breaths.

Answer 36

3. Blowing a pinwheel is an excellent means of increasing a child’s expiratory phase. Play is an effective means of engaging a child in therapeutic activities. Blowing bubbles is another method to increase the child’s expiratory phase.

Question 37

Which child diagnosed with pneumonia would benefit most from hospitalization? 1. 13-year-old who is coughing, has coarse breath sounds, and is not sleeping well 2. 14-year-old with a fever of 38.6°C (101.5°F), rapid breathing, and a decreased appetite. 3. 15-year-old who has been vomiting for 3 days and has a fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F). 4. A 16-year-old who has a cough, chills, fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F), and wheezing.

Answer 37

3. The teen who has been vomiting for several days and is unable to tolerate oral fluids and medication should be admitted for intravenous hydration

Question 38

Which child is at highest risk for requiring hospitalization to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? 1. A 2-month-old who was born at 32 weeks. 2. A 16-month-old with a tracheostomy. 3. A 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect. 4. A 4-year-old who was born at 30 weeks.

Answer 38

1. The younger the child, the greater the risk for developing complications related to RSV. This infant is at highest risk because of age and premature status.

Question 39

Which child is in the greatest need of emergency medical treatment? 1. 3-year-old who has a barky cough, is afebrile, and has mild intercostal retractions. 2. 6-year-old who has high fever, no spontaneous cough, and frog-like croaking. 3. 7-year-old who has abrupt onset of moderate respiratory distress, a mild fever, and a barky cough. 4. 13-year-old who has a high fever, stridor, and purulent secretions.

Answer 39

2. This child has signs and symptoms of epiglottitis and should receive immediate emergency medical treatment. The patient has no spontaneous cough and has a frog-like croaking because of a significant airway obstruction.

Question 40

Which child with asthma should the nurse see first? 1. A 12-month-old who has a mild cry, is pale in color, has diminished breath sounds, and has an oxygen saturation of 93%. 2. A 5-year-old who is speaking in complete sentences, is pink in color, is wheezing bilaterally, and has an oxygen saturation of 93%. 3. A 9-year-old who is quiet, is pale in color, and is wheezing bilaterally with an oxygen saturation of 92%. 4. A 16-year-old who is speaking in short sentences, is wheezing, is sitting upright, and has an oxygen saturation of 93%.

Answer 40

1. This child is exhibiting signs of severe asthma. This child should be seen first. The child no longer has wheezes and now has diminished breath signs.

Question 41

Which child would benefit most from having ear tubes placed? 1. A 2-month-old who has had one ear infection. 2. A 2-year-old who has had five previous ear infections. 3. A 3-year-old whose sibling has had four ear infections. 4. A 7-year-old who has had two ear infections this year.

Answer 41

2. A 2-year-old who has had multiple ear infections is a perfect candidate for ear tubes. The other issue is that a 2-year-old is at the height of language development, which can be adversely affected by recurrent ear infections.

Question 42

Which information will be most helpful in teaching parents about the primary prevention of foreign body aspiration? 1. Signs and symptoms of foreign body aspiration. 2. Therapeutic management of foreign body aspiration. 3. Most common objects that toddlers aspirate. 4. Risks associated with foreign body aspiration.

Answer 42

3. Teaching parents the most common objects aspirated by toddlers will help them the most. Parents can avoid having those items in the household or in locations where toddlers may have access to them.

Question 43

Which intervention is most appropriate to teach the mother of a child diagnosed with a URI and a dry hacking cough that prevents him from sleeping? 1. Give cough suppressants at night. 2. Give an expectorant every 4 hours. 3. Give cold and flu medication every 8 hours. 4. Give 1/2 teaspoon of honey four to five times per day.

Answer 43

4. Warm fluids, humidification, and honey are best treatments for a URI.

Question 44

Which is diagnostic for epiglottitis? 1. Blood test. 2. Throat swab. 3. Lateral neck x-ray of the soft tissue. 4. Signs and symptoms.

Answer 44

3. A lateral neck x-ray is a definitive test to diagnose epiglottitis. The child is at risk for complete airway obstruction and should always be accompanied by a nurse to the x-ray department.

Question 45

Which is the nurse’s best response to a parent who asks what can be done at home to help a child with upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms and a fever get better? 1. “Give your child small amounts of fluid every hour to prevent dehydration.” 2. “Give your child Robitussin at night to reduce his cough and help him sleep.” 3. “Give your child a baby aspirin every 4 to 6 hours to help reduce the fever.” 4. “Give your child an over-the-counter cold medicine at night.”

Answer 45

1. It is essential that parents ensure their children remain hydrated during a URI. The best way to accomplish this is by giving small amounts of fluid frequently.

Question 46

Which is the nurse’s best response to parents who ask what impact asthma will have on the child’s future in sports? 1. “As long as your child takes prescribed asthma medication, the child will be fine.” 2. “The earlier a child is diagnosed with asthma, the more significant the symptoms.” 3. “The earlier a child is diagnosed with asthma, the better the chance the child has of growing out of the disease.” 4. “Your child should avoid playing contact sports and sports that require a lot of running.”

Answer 46

2. When a child is diagnosed with asthma at an early age, the child is more likely to have significant symptoms on aging

Question 47

Which is the nurse’s best response to the parent of a child diagnosed with epiglottitis who asks what the treatment will be? 1. Complete a course of intravenous antibiotics. 2. Surgery to remove the tonsils. 3. 10 days of aerosolized ribavirin. 4. No intervention.

Answer 47

1. Epiglottitis is bacterial in nature and requires intravenous antibiotics. A 7- to 10-day course of oral antibiotics is usually ordered following the intravenous course of antibiotics.

Question 48

Which is the nurse’s best response to the parent of an infant diagnosed with the first otitis media who wonders about long-term effects? 1. “The child could suffer hearing loss.” 2. “The child could suffer some speech delays.” 3. “The child could suffer recurrent ear infections.” 4. “The child could require ear tubes.”

Answer 48

3. When children acquire an ear infection at such a young age, there is an increased risk of recurrent infections.

Question 49

Which laboratory result will provide the most important information regarding the respiratory status of a child with an acute asthma exacerbation? 1. CBC. 2. ABG. 3. BUN. 4. PTT.

Answer 49

2. The ABG gives the health-care team valuable information about the child’s respiratory status: level of oxygenation, carbon dioxide, and blood pH.

Question 50

Which physical findings would be of most concern in an infant with respiratory distress? 1. Tachypnea. 2. Mild retractions. 3. Wheezing. 4. Grunting.

Answer 50

4. Grunting is a sign of impending respiratory failure and is a very concerning physical finding.

Question 51

Which position would be most comfortable for a child with left-sided pneumonia? 1. Trendelenburg. 2. Left side. 3. Right side. 4. Supine.

Answer 51

2. Lying on the left side may provide the patient with the most comfort. Lying on the left splints the chest and reduces the pleural rubbing.

Question 52

Which should be included in instructions to the parent of a child prescribed amoxicillin to treat an ear infection? 1. “Continue the amoxicillin until the child’s symptoms subside.” 2. “Administer an over-the-counter antihistamine with the antibiotic.” 3. “Administer the amoxicillin until all the medication is gone.” 4. “Allow your child to administer his own dose of amoxicillin.”

Answer 52

3. It is essential that all the medication be given.

Question 53

Which should the nurse administer to provide quick relief to a child with asthma who is coughing, wheezing, and having difficulty catching her breath? 1. Prednisone. 2. Singulair (montelukast). 3. Albuterol. 4. Flovent (fluticasone).

Answer 53

3. Albuterol is the quick-relief bronchodilator of choice for treating an asthma attack.

Question 54

Which should the nurse instruct children to do to stop the spread of influenza in the classroom? 1. Stay home if they have a runny nose and cough. 2. Wash their hands after using the restroom. 3. Wash their hands after sneezing. 4. Have a flu shot annually.

Answer 54

3. It is essential that children wash their hands after any contact with nasopharyngeal secretions

Question 55

Which statement about pneumonia is accurate? 1. Pneumonia is most frequently caused by bacterial agents. 2. Children with bacterial pneumonia are usually sicker than children with viral pneumonia. 3. Children with viral pneumonia are usually sicker than those with bacterial pneumonia. 4. Children with viral pneumonia must be treated with a complete course of antibiotics.

Answer 55

2. Children with bacterial pneumonia are usually sicker than children with viral pneumonia. Children with bacterial pneumonia can be treated effectively, but they require a course of antibiotics.

Question 56

Which statement by the parent of a child using an albuterol inhaler leads the nurse to believe that further education is needed on how to administer the medication? 1. “I should administer two quick puffs of the albuterol inhaler using a spacer.” 2. “I should always use a spacer when administering the albuterol inhaler.” 3. “I should be sure that my child is in an upright position when administering the inhaler.” 4. “I should always shake the inhaler before administering a dose.”

Answer 56

1. The parent should always give one puff at a time and wait 1 minute before administering the second puff. TIPS - A spacer is recommended when administering medications by metered dose inhaler (MDI) to children.

Question 57

Which statement by the parents of a toddler with repeated otitis media indicates they need additional teaching? 1. “If I quit smoking, my child may have a decreased chance of getting an ear infection.” 2. “As my child gets older, he should have fewer ear infections, because his immune system will be more developed.” 3. “My child will have fewer ear infections if he has his tonsils removed.” 4. “My child may need a speech evaluation.”

Answer 57

3. Removing children’s tonsils may not have any effect on their ear infection. Children who have repeated bouts of tonsillitis can have ear infections secondary to the tonsillitis, but there is no indication in this question that the child has a problem with tonsillitis.

Question 58

Which statement indicates the parent needs further teaching on how to prevent his other children from contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? 1. “I should make sure that both my children receive Synagis (palivizumab) injections for the remainder of this year.” 2. “I should be sure to keep my infected child away from his brother until he has recovered.” 3. “I should insist that all people who come in contact with my children thoroughly wash their hands before playing with them.” 4. “I should insist that anyone with a respiratory illness avoid contact with my children until well.”

Answer 58

1. Synagis will not help the child who has already contracted the illness. Synagis 68 PEDIATRIC SUCCESS is an immunization and a method of primary prevention

Question 59

Which would be an early sign of respiratory distress in a 2-month-old? 1. Breathing shallowly. 2. Tachypnea. 3. Tachycardia. 4. Bradycardia.

Answer 59

2. Tachypnea is an early sign of distress and is often the first sign of respiratory illness in infants.

Question 60

Which would be appropriate nursing care management of a child with the diagnosis of mononucleosis? 1. Only family visitors. 2. Bedrest. 3. Clear liquids. 4. Limited daily fluid intake.

Answer 60

1. Children with mononucleosis are more susceptible to secondary infections. Therefore, they should be limited to visitors within the family, especially during the acute phase of illness.

Question 61

Which would the nurse explain to parents about the inheritance of cystic fibrosis? 1. CF is an autosomal-dominant trait passed on from the child’s mother. 2. CF is an autosomal-dominant trait passed on from the child’s father. 3. The child of parents who are both carriers of the gene for CF has a 50% chance of acquiring CF. 4. The child of a mother who has CF and a father who is a carrier of the gene for CF has a 50% chance of acquiring CF.

Answer 61

4. If the child is born to a parent with CF and the other parent is a carrier, the child has a 50% chance of acquiring the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier of the disease.

Question 62

Who is at the highest priority to receive the flu vaccine? 1. A healthy 8-month-old who attends day care. 2. A 3-year-old who is undergoing chemotherapy. 3. A 7-year-old who attends public school. 4. An 18-year-old who is living in a college dormitory.

Answer 62

1. Children between the ages of 6 and 23 months are at the highest risk for having complications as a result of the flu. Their immune systems are not as developed, so they are at a higher risk for influenza-related hospitalizations.