A neonate has phenylketonuria (PKU). What information should the nurse include in a discussion with the parents when explaining what caused their infant's problem?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Inborn error of metabolism. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot process the amino acid phenylalanine properly. This results in a buildup of phenylalanine in the body, which can lead to intellectual disabilities and other health issues if not managed properly. Option A) Failure to pass meconium is not related to PKU. Meconium is the earliest stool of a newborn and has no direct correlation with this metabolic disorder. Option C) Severe eczematous skin rash is also not a characteristic symptom of PKU. While individuals with PKU may have skin issues, it is not a primary indicator of the condition. Option D) Presence of an extra chromosome is more indicative of genetic conditions like Down syndrome, not PKU which is specifically related to a metabolic error. In an educational context, understanding the cause of PKU is crucial for nurses to provide accurate information to parents. By explaining that PKU is an inborn error of metabolism, nurses can help parents comprehend the genetic component of the disorder and the importance of dietary management to prevent complications. This knowledge empowers parents to make informed decisions and actively participate in their child's care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B) has diminished breath sounds, no cough, and has a protruding tongue with drooling. In a 15-month-old child, the presence of diminished breath sounds along with drooling and a protruding tongue raises concerns for a potential airway obstruction, such as a foreign body aspiration. This is a critical situation that requires immediate intervention to ensure the child's airway remains patent. Option A) describes a child with signs of respiratory distress but not an immediate life-threatening condition like airway obstruction. Option C) presents symptoms of a respiratory infection which, though concerning, do not indicate an acute emergency. Option D) describes a child with wheezing and feeding difficulties, suggestive of possible asthma or bronchiolitis, but these symptoms are not as immediately life-threatening as airway obstruction. In an educational context, understanding these different presentations is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients, as prompt recognition and appropriate intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes, especially in respiratory emergencies. Nurses must be able to differentiate between urgent situations requiring immediate action and those that can be managed with less urgency.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) autosomal-recessive trait passed on by both parents who are carriers and that each child has a 25% chance of having CF. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by inheriting two faulty CFTR genes, one from each parent. In an autosomal-recessive inheritance pattern, both parents are carriers of the faulty gene but do not exhibit symptoms of the disease themselves. When two carriers have a child, there is a 25% chance the child will inherit two faulty genes and have CF, a 50% chance the child will be a carrier like the parents, and a 25% chance the child will inherit two normal genes. Option A) is incorrect because CF is not an autosomal-dominant trait and is not passed on exclusively from the child's mother. Option B) is also incorrect as CF is not passed on exclusively by the child's father. It is essential for nurses and healthcare professionals working with families affected by genetic disorders like CF to have a clear understanding of inheritance patterns to provide accurate information and support. This knowledge enables them to educate families about the risks and probabilities associated with genetic conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about family planning and healthcare management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Tetralogy of Fallot because it is a congenital heart defect characterized by four specific heart abnormalities that result in mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the heart. This mixing leads to deoxygenated blood being pumped out to the body, causing cyanosis. A) Aortic stenosis is incorrect because it involves narrowing of the aortic valve, which may lead to decreased cardiac output but does not cause cyanosis. B) Coarctation of the aorta is incorrect as it is a narrowing of the aorta that restricts blood flow to the lower part of the body, but it does not result in cyanosis. C) Patent ductus arteriosus is incorrect because it is a condition where a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. While it can lead to other complications, it does not typically cause cyanosis. Understanding these distinctions is vital in pediatric nursing care as it helps in accurate assessment, diagnosis, and management of respiratory and cardiac disorders in children. Recognizing the specific symptoms and implications of each condition can guide nursing interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory disorders, understanding the concept of meningocele is crucial for nurses providing care to children with such conditions. The correct answer, option C, accurately describes meningocele as a sac formation containing meninges and spinal fluid. This definition is correct because a meningocele involves a protrusion of the meninges through a defect in the vertebrae, forming a sac that may contain cerebrospinal fluid. Option A, complete exposure of the spinal cord and meninges, is incorrect as it describes a condition known as myelomeningocele, where both the spinal cord and meninges protrude through a spinal defect. Option B, herniation of the spinal cord and meninges into a sac, is incorrect as it refers to a condition called meningomyelocele, where both the spinal cord and meninges herniate through the spinal defect. Option D, spinal cord tumor containing nerve roots, is incorrect as it describes a different entity altogether, not related to meningocele. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients with neural tube defects, as accurate knowledge can guide appropriate interventions and care strategies to prevent complications and promote optimal outcomes for these patients.