Beta-adrenergic agonists such as albuterol are given to Reggie, a child with asthma. Such drugs are administered primarily to do which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic agonists like albuterol primarily work by relaxing and dilating the bronchioles, which are the smaller airways in the lungs. This leads to quick relief of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. By opening up the airways, these medications help improve airflow and make it easier for the individual to breathe. Beta-adrenergic agonists do not directly reduce airway inflammation, but they do provide immediate relief during an asthma attack by targeting bronchoconstriction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to prevent rheumatic fever is to refer children with sore throats for throat cultures (Choice C). Rheumatic fever is caused by an abnormal immune response to a bacterial infection with group A Streptococcus. By promptly diagnosing and treating streptococcal infections with antibiotics, the risk of developing rheumatic fever can be minimized. Conducting throat cultures for children with sore throats helps identify streptococcal infections and allows for appropriate antibiotic treatment, thereby preventing the progression to rheumatic fever. Encouraging routine hypertensive screenings (Choice A) and conducting routine occult blood screenings (Choice B) are not directly related to the prevention of rheumatic fever. Recommending salicylates instead for minor discomforts (Choice D) is contraindicated in cases of suspected or confirmed streptococcal infections due to the risk of worsening symptoms and potentially triggering rheumatic fever.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In developmental hip dysplasia (DDH), one knee appearing lower than the other when both legs are flexed indicates a possible dislocated hip joint or hip dysplasia. This finding is known as the Galeazzi sign and is often used as a clinical indicator for DDH in newborn infants. It suggests a discrepancy in leg lengths due to hip instability or malformation. Therefore, this sign is important in helping to diagnose DDH and initiating appropriate interventions early on.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction. Common laboratory findings consistent with acute glomerulonephritis include hematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria (protein in the urine), and white cell casts (indicative of inflammation in the kidney tubules). Polyuria, which refers to excessive urination, is not a typical laboratory finding associated with acute glomerulonephritis. Instead, patients with acute glomerulonephritis often present with oliguria or reduced urine output due to impaired kidney function. Therefore, polyuria is not consistent with the typical laboratory findings of acute glomerulonephritis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis, it is crucial to focus on adequate hydration and pain management. Hydration is essential to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, which can exacerbate tissue damage and pain. Pain management is a key aspect of care as vaso-occlusive crises often cause severe pain that requires prompt and effective treatment. Administering heparin is not indicated in a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis as it is primarily used for conditions like deep vein thrombosis. Correcting acidosis and replacing factor VIII are also not typically part of the management of a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis.