A nurse is caring for a child who has received a solid organ transplant. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Infection. When caring for a child who has received a solid organ transplant, monitoring for infection is crucial due to the immunosuppressive medications these children are typically on to prevent organ rejection. These medications weaken the immune response, making the child more susceptible to infections. Infections can quickly become life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals, so vigilant monitoring and early intervention are essential. Option A) Rejection of the transplanted organ is a possible complication but typically presents with more specific signs and symptoms like organ dysfunction rather than being a common immediate concern post-transplant. Option B) Hyperglycemia is a potential complication post-transplant due to the effects of immunosuppressive medications, but infection poses a more immediate and serious threat to the child's health. Option C) Fluid overload is a concern in some cases after transplant due to changes in kidney function or medication side effects, but infection is a more urgent and critical issue to monitor for in the immediate post-transplant period. Educational context: Understanding the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients who have undergone organ transplants is crucial for nurses. Recognizing the potential complications and knowing how to prioritize and respond to them effectively can significantly impact the outcomes for these vulnerable patients. By focusing on infection prevention and early detection, nurses can help ensure the best possible care and outcomes for these children.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric respiratory development, understanding the different phases of lung development is crucial. The correct answer to this question is D) Canalicular phase. During the canalicular phase, which typically occurs between weeks 16 to 26 of gestation, the lung undergoes significant growth and differentiation. One of the key characteristics of this phase is the formation of a capillary network around the developing airway passages. This capillary network is essential for the exchange of gases, allowing for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide to be released. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Pseudoglandular phase: This phase occurs earlier in lung development and is characterized by the branching of the conducting airways, but not specifically by the formation of a capillary network around airway passages. B) Saccular phase: In this phase, the primitive air sacs called saccules start to form, but again, it does not involve the development of a capillary network around airway passages. C) Alveolar phase: This phase occurs later in lung development and is characterized by the formation of mature alveoli. While gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, the specific formation of a capillary network around airway passages is not a defining feature of this phase. Understanding the different phases of lung development is essential for pediatric nurses as it provides insights into potential respiratory complications that may arise in premature infants or infants with respiratory disorders. By knowing the specific characteristics of each phase, nurses can better anticipate and manage respiratory issues in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Wharton's jelly is a gelatinous substance found inside the umbilical cord that plays a crucial role in supporting the cord's structure and function. The correct answer, option B, "To prevent the vessels inside the cord from kinking," is accurate because Wharton's jelly acts as a cushion to protect the blood vessels (arteries and veins) within the umbilical cord. By maintaining the patency of these vessels, Wharton's jelly ensures a continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the developing fetus and facilitates the removal of waste products from the fetus. Option A, "To help provide nutrition to the fetus," is incorrect because the primary role of the umbilical cord is to transport nutrients, not to provide them. The mother's placenta is responsible for transferring nutrients to the fetus, while the umbilical cord serves as the conduit for this exchange. Option C, "To help protect the fetus," while partially true due to the supportive role of Wharton's jelly in maintaining cord integrity, is not the primary function of this substance. Protection of the fetus is more related to the amniotic fluid and the physical barriers surrounding the fetus in the womb. Option D, "To regulate the temperature between the fetus and the mother," is also incorrect as the regulation of temperature is mainly controlled by the mother's body and the amniotic fluid, not by Wharton's jelly within the umbilical cord. Understanding the function of Wharton's jelly is important in the context of pediatric nursing and obstetrics as it relates to fetal development, circulation, and overall well-being. Nurses need to comprehend how structures like the umbilical cord work to provide optimal care for both the fetus and the mother during pregnancy and childbirth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Group B Streptococcus. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can colonize the genital tract of pregnant women and can lead to various complications during pregnancy, including preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis. Screening for GBS during pregnancy and administering antibiotics during labor can help prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the newborn. Option B) Haemophilus influenzae is not typically associated with affecting pregnancy outcomes. Haemophilus influenzae commonly causes respiratory infections in children, such as pneumonia and otitis media. Option C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, a respiratory infection that can affect individuals of all ages but is not specifically known to impact pregnancy outcomes. Option D) Hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus that primarily affects the liver and is not directly linked to affecting pregnancy outcomes, although it can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. Understanding the impact of different microorganisms on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working in obstetrics and pediatrics. Proper screening, early detection, and appropriate management strategies can significantly improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Healthcare professionals need to be well-versed in recognizing the implications of various infections during pregnancy to provide optimal care for expectant mothers and their babies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) After 48 hours. The maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, in reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants occurs after 48 hours of administration. Corticosteroids help in promoting fetal lung maturity by enhancing the production of surfactant, which is essential for preventing RDS in preterm infants. Option A) After 12 hours is incorrect because the full beneficial effect of corticosteroids is not realized this quickly. Option B) After 24 hours is also incorrect as it does not allow enough time for the corticosteroids to exert their maximal effect in promoting surfactant production. Option D) After 1 week is incorrect as the maximal benefit is achieved within 48 hours, and waiting a week would delay the potential benefits for the preterm infant. In an educational context, understanding the timing of when the maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids occurs is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals caring for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. Administering corticosteroids at the appropriate time can significantly improve the outcomes for preterm infants by reducing the risks of complications such as RDS. This knowledge is essential for nurses working in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care units, and other settings where they may care for preterm infants.