A child has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Which statement by the mother indicates an understanding of rheumatic fever?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I should avoid giving my child aspirin for the arthritic pain." Aspirin should be avoided in rheumatic fever due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Aspirin can worsen the condition, leading to serious complications. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Penicillin is given to prevent recurrent streptococcal infections, not until the age of 20. C: Gown, gloves, and mask are not necessary for rheumatic fever, as it is not highly contagious. D: Keeping the child away from his sister is not necessary, as rheumatic fever is not spread through casual contact.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Arterial insufficiency is caused by decreased blood flow to the extremities. Step 2: Avoiding long periods of sitting and standing helps improve blood circulation. Step 3: Increased mobility prevents blood pooling and promotes better tissue perfusion. Step 4: Keeping legs raised may help temporarily, but prolonged elevation can worsen arterial flow. Step 5: Decreasing ambulation worsens arterial insufficiency by reducing blood flow. Step 6: Applying moist heat can increase vasodilation, worsening the condition. Summary: Choice A is correct as it promotes circulation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they can worsen arterial insufficiency by impeding blood flow or increasing vasodilation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oliguria. In a patient with heart failure, Lasix is given to promote diuresis and reduce fluid overload. Oliguria, or decreased urine output, indicates that the Lasix is not effectively removing excess fluid from the body. This is a crucial assessment as it may suggest worsening heart failure or possible renal insufficiency. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Decrease in blood pressure - This could be an expected effect of Lasix, as it helps reduce fluid volume, leading to decreased blood pressure. C: Absence of crackles - This indicates that there is a reduction in pulmonary congestion, which is a desired effect of Lasix. D: Polydipsia - This refers to increased thirst, which may be a side effect of Lasix but does not necessarily indicate treatment failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because placing electrodes with contacts on their anterior and posterior surfaces ensures better conduction of electricity from the heart to the monitor. This allows for a more accurate reading of the patient's heart activity. Option A is incorrect as changing electrode pads periodically does not necessarily improve conduction. Option B is incorrect as ribs are not excellent conductors of electricity. Option D is incorrect as placing electrodes further apart does not help improve conduction but may instead result in poor signal quality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenylephrine. It is a vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. This makes it effective in managing mild to moderate hypotension by raising blood pressure. Amiodarone (B) is an antiarrhythmic drug, not used for hypotension. Ibutilide (C) is used for atrial fibrillation/flutter, not hypotension. Milrinone (D) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used for heart failure, not hypotension. Therefore, A is the correct choice for managing hypotension.