For an 18-month-old child with breath-holding spells, which advice is NOT true?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of an 18-month-old child experiencing breath-holding spells, the advice that is NOT true is option C) "Interfere early in the event by calming the child." The correct answer is C because intervening during a breath-holding spell can be counterproductive. It is important not to startle or try to interrupt the spell forcefully, as this can lead to more severe spells and potentially harm the child. Most breath-holding spells are benign and tend to resolve on their own without any intervention. Option A) "Investigate possibility of iron deficiency anemia" is a valid recommendation because iron deficiency can contribute to breath-holding spells in children, so it is important to rule this out through proper medical evaluation. Option B) "Avoid over-concerned behavior" is also a valid advice as overreacting to these episodes can increase the child's anxiety and potentially worsen the frequency or severity of the spells. Option D) "Try to behave calmly" is a crucial piece of advice for caregivers. Staying calm during a breath-holding spell can help reassure the child and prevent escalating the situation. In an educational context, it is essential for pediatric nurses and caregivers to understand the appropriate responses to breath-holding spells in children. By knowing how to react calmly and providing accurate advice, they can effectively support the child and promote a safe environment during these episodes. Understanding the underlying causes, such as iron deficiency anemia, and knowing when to seek medical advice are also critical aspects of caring for children experiencing breath-holding spells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rumination disorder is a condition characterized by the regurgitation and rechewing of food. The correct answer, A) "seen only in infants and those with intellectual disability," is FALSE. Rumination disorder can occur in individuals of any age, not just infants and those with intellectual disabilities. In educational context, it is crucial for nursing students to understand the misconception around rumination disorder to provide accurate care and support to patients. Option B) "runs episodic course" is incorrect because rumination disorder tends to be a chronic condition rather than having an episodic course. Option C) "results from neglect" is incorrect as rumination disorder is primarily associated with underlying psychological factors rather than neglect. Option D) "in infancy can resolve spontaneously" is incorrect because while rumination may improve in some cases, it usually requires intervention for resolution, especially if it persists beyond infancy. Educationally, understanding the nuances of rumination disorder is essential for pediatric nurses as they care for patients who may present with this condition. This knowledge equips nurses to provide appropriate interventions, support families, and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to promote the health and well-being of pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Breath-holding spells are best described as an expression of frustration or anger (Option C). These spells are typically involuntary and are triggered by a child's response to a stressful or upsetting situation. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, like nurses, to understand that breath-holding spells are not a manifestation of iron deficiency anemia (Option A), a type of seizure (Option B), or a problem that only manifests when the child becomes older (Option D). Understanding breath-holding spells is essential in pediatric nursing as they can be alarming for caregivers and may lead to unnecessary interventions if not properly recognized. By recognizing that these spells are often a response to emotional triggers rather than a medical issue, nurses can provide appropriate support and education to parents and caregivers on how to manage these episodes effectively. Educationally, nurses need to be equipped with knowledge about various pediatric conditions, including non-life-threatening phenomena like breath-holding spells. This empowers them to deliver holistic care, address parental concerns, and promote positive outcomes for pediatric patients. By choosing Option C as the correct answer, nurses can enhance their understanding of child development and behavior, leading to improved patient care and family support.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) truancy. Truancy is not a recognized characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A) The presence of 3 grades of severity is a recognized feature of ASD, with individuals falling along a spectrum that ranges from mild to severe in terms of symptoms and impairments. B) While individuals with ASD may struggle with certain social and communication skills, they may exhibit superior intellectual functioning in specific areas, such as math or music. This is known as "splinter skills" or "islets of ability". C) Motor deficits are commonly seen in individuals with ASD, including challenges with coordination, motor planning, and fine motor skills. Educational context: Understanding the characteristics of ASD is crucial for pediatric nurses as they may encounter children with this condition in their practice. By recognizing the features of ASD, nurses can provide appropriate care and support to these individuals and their families. Truancy, which is not a recognized feature of ASD, should not be assumed to be related to the condition without further assessment and consideration of other factors.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of generalized edema in newborns is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Hurler syndrome. Hurler syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various tissues, leading to organ and tissue damage. This accumulation can result in generalized edema in newborns affected by this syndrome. Prematurity (option A) can also lead to generalized edema in newborns due to immature organ function, especially the kidneys, which may have difficulty regulating fluid balance. Nonimmune hydrops (option B) is characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in fetal compartments and can result in generalized edema at birth. Turner syndrome (option C) is a genetic condition that can present with lymphedema or swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid. Educationally, understanding the differential diagnoses of generalized edema in newborns is essential for nurses to provide comprehensive care. By recognizing the unique presentations of various conditions, nurses can facilitate early identification, appropriate management, and family support. Remembering the specific association of Hurler syndrome with generalized edema can aid in timely referrals and interventions to improve outcomes for affected newborns.