A nurse is educating a family whose child is newly diagnosed with scoliosis. The nurse explains that the goal of therapy is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The goal of therapy for scoliosis is to limit or stop the progression of the curvature. This can involve a combination of treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. By addressing the curvature early and implementing appropriate interventions, healthcare providers aim to prevent further worsening of the spinal deformity and improve the long-term outcomes for the child. Minimizing the progression of scoliosis is crucial to prevent complications such as back pain, breathing difficulties, and cosmetic concerns. Therefore, educating the family on the importance of therapy in limiting or stopping the curvature progression is a key aspect of managing scoliosis in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In an infant with complete transposition of the great vessels, the survival at birth depends on the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to allow mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. In this condition, the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle, leading to separate circulatory pathways for oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The survival of the infant is dependent on the remaining fetal shunts, such as a PDA, to maintain an adequate mixing of blood until corrective surgery can be performed. Therefore, the presence of a PDA is essential for the survival of an infant with complete transposition of the great vessels at birth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Meconium is the term used to describe the first stool of a newborn. This stool is black and tarry in appearance. Meconium is made up of materials ingested by the fetus while in the uterus, such as mucus, amniotic fluid, and cells shed from the stomach and intestines. It is typically passed by a newborn within the first few days of life before transitioning to transitional stools, which are greenish-brown in color, and eventually to normal milk stools as the baby starts feeding on breast milk or formula.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Flaring of nares in a newborn is typically interpreted as a sign of respiratory distress. When a baby is having trouble breathing or is not getting enough oxygen, the body compensates by increasing the size of the nasal passages to allow for easier airflow. This response helps the baby to breathe more effectively during times of respiratory distress. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize this sign as it may indicate the need for prompt intervention and support to help the baby breathe more comfortably.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The term that best describes the identification of the distribution and causes of disease, injury, or illness is the epidemiologic process. Epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. Through the epidemiologic process, health professionals can investigate and understand the distribution of diseases, determine risk factors, and develop strategies for prevention and control. Nursing process refers to the systematic method nurses use to provide patient-centered care. Community-based statistics are data collected from a specific community for various purposes. Mortality and morbidity statistics provide information on deaths and disease rates but do not encompass the comprehensive approach of the epidemiologic process in understanding the causes and distribution of diseases.