An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principle supports the PN's response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct principle supporting the practical nurse's response is that honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. By assuring confidentiality and privacy to the adolescent unless there is a life-threatening situation, the practical nurse fosters an environment where the teen feels safe to share their concerns openly. This approach helps build trust, encouraging effective communication and support for the adolescent's well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, caring for a child with gastroenteritis requires a thorough understanding of the condition and the specific needs of the child. The caregiver's priority assessment in this scenario should be to assess the child's hydration status, which is option B. The correct answer, assessing the child's hydration status, is crucial in this situation because gastroenteritis can lead to significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration in young children. Dehydration is a common complication of gastroenteritis and can be dangerous if not promptly addressed. Monitoring hydration status allows for early detection of dehydration and appropriate intervention, such as rehydration therapy. Option A, monitoring the child's weight, is not the priority assessment in this acute situation as immediate intervention is needed to address potential dehydration before focusing on weight changes. Option C, evaluating the child's nutritional intake, is important but not the priority when the child is actively experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Option D, checking the child's temperature, is also important but does not take precedence over assessing hydration status in this case. In an educational context, understanding the priority assessments in pediatric nursing helps caregivers provide timely and appropriate care to children with various conditions. Gastroenteritis is a common illness in children, and knowing how to assess and manage dehydration is a fundamental skill for pediatric nurses to ensure the best outcomes for their young patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hospitalized with pneumonia, receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. With a high respiratory rate and decreased oxygen saturation, auscultating the child's lung sounds is the priority action. This assessment can provide crucial information about the child's respiratory status, such as the presence of adventitious sounds or decreased air entry, which can guide further interventions and help in evaluating the effectiveness of the current treatments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In managing a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis, the most appropriate intervention for the practical nurse to implement is to encourage increased fluid intake (Option B). This is because adequate hydration helps prevent further sickling of red blood cells, improves blood flow, and aids in pain relief by diluting the concentration of sickled cells. Applying cold packs (Option A) can worsen vaso-occlusion by causing vasoconstriction, leading to further tissue damage. Administering high doses of vitamin C (Option C) is not indicated in treating a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Providing low-calorie meals (Option D) is not relevant in managing this acute crisis where hydration and pain management are the main priorities. From an educational perspective, understanding the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia and its complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises, is crucial for pediatric nurses. Implementing evidence-based interventions like encouraging fluid intake can significantly impact patient outcomes and prevent complications associated with sickle cell disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is crucial for parents to understand the proper administration of medications for their children, especially in conditions like asthma. Option B, "I will rinse my child's mouth after each use of the inhaler," is the correct statement indicating the parent understands the teaching on corticosteroid use in asthma. This is because corticosteroid inhalers can lead to oral thrush, a fungal infection, if the mouth is not rinsed after each use. Option A, "My child should take the medication only when experiencing symptoms," is incorrect as corticosteroids are often prescribed as a maintenance medication to prevent asthma symptoms rather than just for acute relief. Option C, "I should discontinue the medication if my child seems better," is incorrect because corticosteroids need to be taken consistently as prescribed to control asthma symptoms effectively. Option D, "Corticosteroids are used for quick relief during an asthma attack," is incorrect as corticosteroids are not typically used for immediate relief during an acute attack; they are more for long-term management and prevention of symptoms. Educationally, it is essential to emphasize to parents the importance of proper medication administration and the rationale behind it to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for their children with asthma. Teaching them about potential side effects and the correct usage of corticosteroids helps empower parents to manage their child's condition effectively and prevent complications.