A mother brings her school-aged daughter to the pediatric clinic for evaluation of her anti-epileptic medication regimen. What information should the nurse provide to the mother?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The medication dose will be tapered over a period of 2 weeks when being discontinued. This information is essential for the mother to understand because abruptly stopping anti-epileptic medications can lead to rebound seizures or status epilepticus. Tapering the dose gradually helps to prevent these adverse effects and ensures a safer transition off the medication. Option B is incorrect because the immediate response to a return of seizures would not typically involve prescribing multiple medications for another 2 years. Instead, adjustments to the current medication regimen or trying a different single medication would be more common initial approaches. Option C is incorrect because while having a dose of valproic acid available for status epilepticus is important, it is not the primary information to provide in this scenario where the focus is on medication regimen evaluation. Option D is incorrect as stating that phenytoin and phenobarbital should be taken for life is overly definitive and does not consider the individualized nature of anti-epileptic medication management. Long-term medication use should be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the patient's response. In pediatric nursing, educating parents about anti-epileptic medications is crucial for promoting medication adherence, safety, and optimal seizure control. Providing clear and accurate information helps empower parents to actively participate in their child's care and advocate for their well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a child is unable to swallow a tablet, the appropriate response is to consider if a liquid form of the medication is available. This is a safer and more effective alternative than forcing the child to swallow or chew the tablet. Contacting the pharmacist for a prescription change can provide a suitable solution that ensures the child receives the medication in a more manageable form.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In cases of corrosive product ingestion, it is crucial to contact the poison control center for guidance. Inducing vomiting or attempting to neutralize the agent can lead to further harm. The poison control center professionals are trained to provide specific instructions tailored to the situation, ensuring the best possible outcome for the child.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Begin wiping the teeth with a washcloth and water when the first tooth appears. This is in line with the American Dental Association guidelines, which recommend starting oral hygiene practices as soon as the first tooth erupts. It is crucial to initiate oral care early to prevent dental problems and establish good habits. Option A is incorrect because waiting until all baby teeth are in can lead to plaque buildup and potential dental issues. Option B is incorrect as delaying oral hygiene until the child can handle a toothbrush can result in missed opportunities for early preventive care. Option C is not the best choice as using toothpaste on a gauze pad may not be necessary initially and could potentially be harmful if too much fluoride is ingested. Starting with a gentle wipe using a washcloth and water is more appropriate for infant oral hygiene. In pediatric nursing, it is essential to educate parents on the importance of early oral care to promote good dental health habits from infancy. Starting early with simple practices like wiping the teeth with a washcloth sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene routines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the child's presentation of anxiety, fear, and hyperventilation indicates a state of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation leads to excessive removal of carbon dioxide from the body, causing a decrease in carbonic acid levels and resulting in alkalosis. Option A, metabolic acidosis, is incorrect as the symptoms presented by the child do not align with this acid-base imbalance. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH due to an excess of acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Option B, respiratory acidosis, is also incorrect. This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body, leading to an increase in carbonic acid levels and a decrease in pH. The child's hyperventilation would not lead to respiratory acidosis. Option D, metabolic alkalosis, is not the correct answer in this case. Metabolic alkalosis results from an excess of bicarbonate in the body or a loss of acids, which is not the situation presented by the child's symptoms. Educationally, understanding acid-base imbalances in pediatric nursing is crucial for providing effective care to children with various health conditions. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of different imbalances allows nurses to intervene promptly and appropriately to restore the body's acid-base balance and support the child's recovery.