How will the nurse determine if a child has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) We will swab your child's nose and send the specimen for testing. In the case of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the most common method of diagnosis is by obtaining a nasal swab to test for the presence of the virus. RSV is primarily a respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages, and it is crucial to confirm the presence of the virus through specific testing methods. Option A is incorrect because a simple blood test is not typically used to diagnose RSV. RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, so a blood test may not provide accurate results for this virus. Option B is incorrect because while the diagnosis of RSV is based on the child's symptoms, confirming the presence of the virus through testing is crucial for appropriate management and infection control measures. Option D is incorrect because sending a viral culture to an outside lab for testing may not be the most efficient or timely method for diagnosing RSV. Nasal swab testing is a more direct and commonly used method for diagnosing respiratory viruses like RSV. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate diagnostic methods for different respiratory disorders is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Proper diagnosis of RSV allows for timely interventions, appropriate treatment, and implementation of infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus to other vulnerable individuals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Children younger than 3 years typically exhibit worse symptoms because their immune systems are less mature. This statement is accurate because younger children have immune systems that are still developing, making them more vulnerable to respiratory infections like croup. Their bodies have not yet built up the same level of immunity as older children or adults, resulting in more severe symptoms when they contract illnesses such as croup. Option A is incorrect because while it is true that each child is an individual and may react differently to viruses, the age-related differences in immune system development play a significant role in the severity of symptoms. Option B is incorrect because younger children actually have narrower airways, not wider ones, which can contribute to the development of respiratory issues like croup. Bacterial colonization is not typically a primary factor in croup, which is commonly caused by viruses. Option C is incorrect because while it is true that younger children have developing immune systems, the main reason for the increased severity of symptoms in croup is the immaturity of their immune response rather than the length of their immune system development. In an educational context, understanding the impact of age on the severity of respiratory illnesses like croup is vital for nurses caring for pediatric patients. By recognizing the differences in immune system maturity between age groups, healthcare providers can better anticipate and manage the symptoms and complications that may arise in younger children with conditions like croup.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory disorders, specifically nasopharyngitis, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the parent on providing comfort measures for the child, which is the correct answer (C). Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, is a viral infection that does not require antibiotics (A), so completing a prescription of antibiotics would be unnecessary and potentially harmful due to antibiotic resistance. Sending the child to daycare (B) is not necessarily contraindicated unless the child is too ill to participate in normal activities. Restricting the child to clear liquids for 24 hours (D) is not appropriate for nasopharyngitis unless there are specific complications like dehydration. Educationally, it is important to emphasize to parents that nasopharyngitis is typically a self-limiting viral illness that can be managed with symptomatic relief measures such as rest, hydration, humidified air, and over-the-counter medications for comfort. This approach helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, promotes appropriate management of viral illnesses, and empowers parents to provide appropriate care for their child.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Take your child outside into the humid night air for 15 minutes. This advice is in line with managing croup, a common pediatric respiratory disorder characterized by a barky cough that often worsens at night due to airway inflammation. The cool, humid air helps reduce airway swelling and can alleviate symptoms. Option B) Take your child to the emergency room immediately is not necessary for a child with croup unless they are experiencing severe respiratory distress. Option C) Giving an over-the-counter cough suppressant is not recommended for croup as it may not be effective and can potentially cause harm by suppressing the cough reflex, which is essential for clearing secretions. Option D) Giving warm liquids to soothe the throat may provide some comfort but will not address the underlying cause of the barky cough in croup. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the appropriate management strategies for pediatric respiratory disorders like croup to provide safe and effective care to children. Educating parents on home management techniques, such as exposing the child to humid air, can empower them to support their child's recovery and know when to seek further medical assistance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer, C) Most common objects that toddlers aspirate, is the most helpful information to teach parents about primary prevention of foreign body aspiration. Understanding the common objects that pose a risk can empower parents to take proactive measures to prevent their child from choking. This knowledge allows parents to create a safe environment by removing or securing these objects out of reach. Option A) Signs and symptoms of foreign body aspiration, though important for early recognition and intervention, focuses on secondary prevention rather than primary prevention. Option B) Therapeutic management of foreign body aspiration is also more relevant to healthcare professionals rather than parents. Option D) Risks associated with foreign body aspiration, while informative, does not provide actionable steps for parents to prevent foreign body aspiration. In an educational context, teaching parents about the most common objects that toddlers aspirate is crucial in pediatric healthcare. By equipping parents with this knowledge, they can actively participate in creating a safe environment for their child, ultimately reducing the risk of foreign body aspiration and promoting child safety.