A nurse is caring for a child with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should educate the parents about which of the following as a key factor in managing the child's condition?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Using prescribed medications as directed. In managing a child with chronic asthma, using prescribed medications as directed is crucial for controlling and preventing asthma exacerbations. Medications such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce airway inflammation, open up airways, and decrease the frequency of asthma attacks. Educating parents about the importance of medication adherence empowers them to effectively manage their child's condition and improve their quality of life. Option A) Limiting the child's physical activity is incorrect because regular physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma as it helps to improve lung function and overall health. Option C) Reducing fluid intake during asthma attacks is incorrect as maintaining proper hydration is important, especially during asthma exacerbations, to help thin mucus and keep airways moist. Option D) Encouraging exposure to allergens to build immunity is incorrect as it can trigger asthma symptoms and exacerbate the condition. Avoiding allergen exposure is essential in asthma management. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive asthma management education to parents, including proper medication use, recognizing asthma triggers, and when to seek medical help. This empowers parents to play an active role in managing their child's asthma and promoting better health outcomes.

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: The correct answer is D) Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. When caring for a child with a respiratory infection, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for thinning respiratory secretions, promoting airway clearance, and preventing dehydration due to increased respiratory effort and fever. Dehydration can worsen respiratory symptoms and compromise overall health. Option A, encouraging a high-protein diet, is not the priority as hydration takes precedence in this situation. Option B, providing a cool mist humidifier, can be beneficial for easing breathing but does not address the immediate need for hydration. Option C, administering antipyretics for fever, is important but should not take precedence over ensuring adequate hydration. In an educational context, it is essential for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX to understand the priority of interventions in pediatric respiratory infections. Recognizing the significance of maintaining hydration in these cases can prevent complications and promote effective nursing care. Remembering the physiological impact of dehydration on respiratory function can guide nurses in prioritizing care for pediatric patients with respiratory infections.

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.