Austin, age 6 months, has six teeth. The nurse should recognize that this is which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the normal developmental milestones of children is crucial for providing appropriate care. In this case, the correct answer is D) Earlier-than-normal tooth eruption. At 6 months, a child typically has not yet developed teeth; therefore, having six teeth at this age is considered earlier than the normal tooth eruption pattern. Option A) Normal tooth eruption is incorrect because the scenario describes a deviation from the typical timeline for tooth eruption in infants. Option B) Delayed tooth eruption is also incorrect as it implies a delay in tooth eruption, which is not the case here. Option C) Unusual and dangerous is incorrect as the situation described is not necessarily dangerous but rather falls outside the expected pattern of tooth eruption. Educationally, understanding variations in tooth eruption patterns can help nurses recognize potential developmental concerns or abnormalities in pediatric patients. It is essential for nurses to be able to identify deviations from normal growth and development to provide appropriate interventions or referrals as needed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Exposure to smokeless tobacco increases the user's risk for cancers of the esophagus (Option C) due to the harmful chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco products. Esophageal cancer is associated with tobacco use, especially when tobacco is in direct contact with the esophagus. This is why it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially pediatric nurses, to educate individuals, including young people, about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. Option A, lipoid pneumonia, is not directly linked to smokeless tobacco use. Lipoid pneumonia is typically caused by inhalation or aspiration of fatty substances, not tobacco. Option B, chronic cough, is a common symptom of tobacco use, but it is not specific to smokeless tobacco. Chronic cough can result from various respiratory issues, not just smokeless tobacco use. Option D, irritability, is a general symptom that may occur with nicotine withdrawal but is not a direct consequence of smokeless tobacco use. In an educational context, it is important for pediatric nurses to be knowledgeable about the health risks associated with tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco, to effectively educate children and adolescents about making healthy lifestyle choices. By understanding the specific risks involved, nurses can better advocate for prevention strategies and support cessation efforts among young individuals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding oxygen delivery systems is crucial for providing efficient and safe care to children. When using a nasal cannula to deliver oxygen, the percentage of FiO2 that can be achieved is up to 60%. This is because a nasal cannula can deliver oxygen at flow rates ranging from 1-6 liters per minute, providing a FiO2 of approximately 24-40% at these flow rates. Option A) 40% is incorrect because it represents the lower end of the FiO2 range achievable with a nasal cannula. Option B) 50% is also incorrect as it falls within the mid-range of FiO2 delivery via a nasal cannula. Option D) 80% is incorrect as this level of oxygen delivery would typically require a different oxygen delivery system, such as a face mask or high-flow nasal cannula. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to understand the capabilities and limitations of different oxygen delivery systems to ensure appropriate oxygen therapy for their young patients. Proper knowledge of oxygen delivery systems can help prevent complications related to both hypoxia and oxygen toxicity in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most effective strategy to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees (Option B). This position helps prevent aspiration of oral and gastric contents into the lungs, reducing the risk of developing VAP. Option A, reducing the period of ventilation, is beneficial but may not be as effective as proper positioning in preventing VAP. Option C, the use of a protocol for oral decontamination, is important for overall oral hygiene but may not directly address the prevention of VAP. Option D, liberal use of effective antibiotics, is not the most effective strategy for preventing VAP as it does not address the root cause of VAP, which is often related to aspiration and colonization of bacteria in the respiratory tract. In an educational context, it is crucial for pediatric nurses to understand evidence-based practices to prevent complications such as VAP in critically ill pediatric patients. Proper positioning of the patient plays a significant role in reducing the risk of VAP and should be a standard practice in pediatric critical care settings. Nurses should be knowledgeable about best practices for ventilated patients to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, identifying signs of dehydration in infants is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate care. The correct answer is A) sunken fontanel. A sunken fontanel in an infant is a significant indicator of severe dehydration. The fontanel, the soft spot on an infant's head, can appear sunken when there is a lack of fluid in the body due to dehydration. This occurs because the brain tissue loses fluid, causing it to retract slightly. Moist skin (option B) is not a sign of severe dehydration but rather a sign of good skin turgor, which is a positive indicator of hydration. Normal urine output (option C) may be misleading as infants with severe dehydration may actually have decreased urine output due to decreased kidney perfusion. Weight gain (option D) is not indicative of dehydration; in fact, weight loss is more commonly associated with dehydration. Educationally, understanding these signs of dehydration in infants is essential for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care. By recognizing the significance of a sunken fontanel as a sign of severe dehydration, nurses can promptly intervene with appropriate fluid replacement therapy to prevent complications and promote optimal health outcomes for infants.