Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory medications for chronic asthma. Early intervention has the following advantages EXCEPT

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: While inhaled corticosteroids control symptoms, they do not alter the natural history of asthma, which is influenced by genetics and environmental exposures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the flow of blood through the heart. In this condition, there is decreased pulmonary blood flow leading to reduced oxygenation of the blood. To compensate for the low oxygen levels in the blood, the body may increase the production of red blood cells, resulting in polycythemia (an increased red blood cell count). This is the body's way of trying to ensure that enough oxygen is carried to the tissues despite the heart defect. Therefore, in a 5-month-old infant with tetralogy of Fallot, the nurse would expect the blood workup to show polycythemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Digitalis is not used in resuscitation as it primarily treats heart failure and certain arrhythmias rather than acute cardiac arrest situations requiring immediate resuscitative drugs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Second-hand smoke exposure increases the risk of middle ear effusions, leading to recurrent ear infections and potential hearing loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If initial skin testing is negative but the clinical history strongly suggests venom allergy, repeating the skin test after 4-6 weeks increases the likelihood of detecting sensitization.