A 9-year-old boy is sent for neurologic evaluation because of episodes of apparent inattention. Over the past year, the child has experienced episodes during which he develops a blank look on his face and his eyes blink for 15 seconds. He immediately resumes his previous activity. Which one the following best describes this patient's seizures?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Absence seizures, typical in childhood, feature brief (10-20 second) lapses in awareness with staring and eye blinking, followed by immediate resumption of activity, as described. Simple partial seizures preserve consciousness with focal symptoms (e.g., twitching). Complex partial seizures impair awareness longer, with automatisms. Tonic-clonic seizures involve convulsions. Myoclonic seizures cause jerks without staring. The short duration, blank look, and rapid recovery align with absence seizures' EEG pattern (3 Hz spike-and-wave), distinguishing it here.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cough suppressants relieve dry, disruptive coughs , aiding rest. Green secretions need clearance, fever signals illness, and bronchitis may require expectorants. D targets appropriate use, making it the best response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A sudden increase in temperature (fever) to 101.5°F in a client receiving Pentamidine IV for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia would most likely indicate the client has developed another infection. This is because Pentamidine IV is an antibiotic used to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and a new fever during treatment would suggest a new or persistent infection causing the elevated temperature. It is important for the nurse to assess the client further and consider additional diagnostic tests or treatments for the new infection while continuing to monitor and manage the initial condition for which Pentamidine was prescribed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be exacerbated by niacin therapy. Niacin can increase uric acid levels, potentially leading to gout flare-ups in patients with a history of gout. Therefore, a history of gout would be recognized as a contraindication for beginning Niacin therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Polypharmacy-13 drugs-raises interaction risks (e.g., beta-blockers plus CCBs causing hypotension/bradycardia), a common adverse outcome in complex regimens. Allergy lacks specific signs (e.g., rash). Non-compliance isn't indicated-she reports use. Transient effects need time evidence. Polypharmacy fits symptoms, per pharmacodynamics.