A nurse has been assigned to take care of a pediatric patient suspected of having chicken pox (varicella). Which type of precaution is required?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a pediatric patient suspected of having chicken pox (varicella), the correct type of precaution required is airborne precautions with isolation room (Option C). This is because chicken pox is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, specifically through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Placing the patient in an isolation room with negative air pressure helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Standard precautions (Option A) are not sufficient in this case because they are the basic level of infection control that should be applied to all patients. Contact precautions (Option B) are used for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile, not for airborne diseases like chicken pox. Droplet precautions (Option D) are used for diseases transmitted through large respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis, but they are not as effective as airborne precautions for diseases like chicken pox that have smaller droplets that can remain suspended in the air. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate type of precautions for different infectious diseases is crucial for nurses to protect themselves, other patients, and visitors from potential exposure and transmission. It also highlights the importance of following evidence-based guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals in a healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, preventing communicable diseases is crucial to ensuring the well-being of children. The correct answer is B) Immunizations. Immunizations are a key component of primary prevention because they help to protect individuals from contracting infectious diseases in the first place. By administering vaccines, the immune system is primed to recognize and fight off specific pathogens, reducing the risk of disease transmission and outbreak. Option A) Early diagnosis is a component of secondary prevention, which focuses on detecting and treating diseases in their early stages to prevent complications. While early diagnosis is important, it is not considered primary prevention like immunizations. Option C) Treatment of disease falls under tertiary prevention, which involves managing and treating existing conditions to prevent further complications or relapses. Treating a disease after it has already occurred is not considered primary prevention. Option D) Strict isolation is a measure taken in the case of an outbreak to prevent the spread of a communicable disease but is not a primary prevention strategy. It is a form of infection control and falls under the realm of outbreak management rather than primary prevention. In an educational context, understanding the different levels of prevention is essential for nurses to provide comprehensive care. By grasping the distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, nurses can effectively implement strategies to promote health, prevent disease, and protect vulnerable populations like children from communicable diseases. Emphasizing the importance of immunizations as a primary prevention measure underscores the role of vaccines in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases in pediatric populations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Therapeutic play for hospitalized children offers numerous benefits, making option B the correct answer. Providing a structured play environment helps children feel a sense of normalcy and control during a challenging time. It allows them to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and cope with their hospital experience in a developmentally appropriate way. Option A is incorrect because while therapeutic play may offer insight into a child's feelings, its primary purpose is to provide a therapeutic outlet rather than solely for the nurse's benefit. Option C is incorrect because therapeutic play is not just for disturbed children but is beneficial for all hospitalized children. Option D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the benefits of therapeutic play by focusing solely on dealing with concerns and feelings, rather than the broader therapeutic outcomes it offers. From an educational standpoint, understanding the benefits of therapeutic play in pediatric nursing is crucial for nurses working with hospitalized children. It allows nurses to create a supportive and healing environment that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of children, ultimately promoting their overall well-being and aiding in their recovery process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, administering immunizations is a crucial aspect of preventive care. The correct answer, B) Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB), is recommended for infants at 4 months of age along with DTaP and IPV. HIB vaccine protects against serious infections like meningitis and pneumonia in young children. Option A, MMR, is typically given around 12-15 months of age, so it is not appropriate at 4 months. Option C, TIV (influenza), is recommended annually starting at 6 months, not at 4 months. Option D, Var (varicella), is usually given around 12-15 months as well. Educationally, understanding the recommended immunization schedule for infants is vital for nurses to ensure they provide the right vaccines at the right time, maximizing protection for the child. This question highlights the importance of knowledge of age-appropriate vaccines and their schedules in pediatric nursing practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Is usually treated with medications and behavioral therapy. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in childhood. Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants are often prescribed to help manage symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Behavioral therapy, including parent training and behavior modification strategies, is also an essential part of managing ADHD in children. This comprehensive approach helps address both the biological and behavioral aspects of the disorder, leading to improved outcomes for the child. Option A) Is typically diagnosed in children aged 3 to 4 years is incorrect because while symptoms of ADHD often appear in early childhood, a formal diagnosis usually occurs after a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals. Option B) Can be diagnosed through laboratory tests is incorrect because there is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a thorough assessment of the child's symptoms, behavior, and developmental history. Option D) Has no known genetic factors is incorrect because research has shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. There is a strong hereditary component to the disorder, with children more likely to have ADHD if a close relative also has the condition. Educationally, understanding the treatment options for ADHD is crucial for parents and caregivers of children with the disorder. By knowing that a combination of medications and behavioral therapy is typically recommended, they can work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that best meets the needs of their child. Additionally, dispelling misconceptions such as the need for laboratory tests or the absence of genetic factors helps ensure parents have accurate information to make informed decisions about their child's care.