Kawasaki disease most commonly occurs in children of which age group?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness that primarily affects young children. The correct answer, option A) Age 1-5 years, is right because Kawasaki disease most commonly occurs in this age group, with peak incidence between 1-2 years of age. Option B) Age more than 9 years is incorrect because Kawasaki disease rarely occurs in children older than 8 years. Option C) Age less than 4 months is also incorrect as Kawasaki disease is uncommon in infants younger than 6 months. Option D) Age 5-9 years is not the most common age group for Kawasaki disease, although it can occur in this range, it is most prevalent in the younger age group specified in option A. Educationally, understanding the age distribution of Kawasaki disease is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric populations. Recognizing the typical age range helps in early identification and prompt treatment of this condition, which is essential to prevent serious complications like coronary artery aneurysms. By mastering this knowledge, healthcare professionals can provide better care and improve outcomes for children affected by Kawasaki disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Severe coarctation of the aorta. In newborns, severe coarctation of the aorta can lead to heart failure due to the narrowing of the aorta, which increases the workload on the heart and reduces blood flow to the body. This condition results in poor perfusion and can lead to heart failure. Option A) Large VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) is a common congenital heart defect but typically does not present with heart failure in newborns unless there are additional complicating factors. Option B) Large ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) is another common congenital heart defect that usually does not lead to heart failure in newborns unless it is accompanied by other conditions. Option D) Severe Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital heart defect characterized by four specific heart abnormalities. While it can cause cyanosis and low oxygen levels, it is not typically associated with heart failure in newborns. Understanding the association between different congenital heart defects and their impact on newborns is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide efficient care and early interventions. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart failure in newborns with specific heart defects is essential for timely management and improved outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Acute rheumatic fever recurrence. The Jones criteria are used to aid in the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect various parts of the body, particularly the heart. Recurrence of acute rheumatic fever is a key factor in the Jones criteria, as it signifies a reactivation of the disease process and highlights the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Option A) Chorea refers to the characteristic involuntary movements seen in Sydenham's chorea, another manifestation of acute rheumatic fever, but it is not part of the diagnostic criteria emphasized by the Jones criteria. Option B) Indolent carditis involves inflammation of the heart in a chronic and slow-progressing manner, which is not specifically part of the acute presentation required for adherence to the Jones criteria. Option C) Subcutaneous nodules are one of the major criteria for rheumatic fever diagnosis but are not specifically part of the Jones criteria, which focus on acute manifestations. Educationally, understanding the Jones criteria is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients to promptly recognize and manage acute rheumatic fever. Emphasizing the significance of recurrent episodes in the disease process reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to safeguard children's health. By grasping these diagnostic criteria, nurses can advocate for timely interventions and support holistic care for pediatric patients with acute rheumatic fever.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Innocent murmurs are common in children and are typically benign, caused by normal blood flow patterns in the heart. Therefore, children with typical features of innocent murmurs do not require any specific interventions or restrictions. Option D, "None of the above," is the correct choice because innocent murmurs do not indicate any structural heart abnormalities or heart conditions that require treatment. Option A, "Restriction of exercise," is incorrect because innocent murmurs do not pose any risk during physical activity. Restricting exercise in these children would be unnecessary and could potentially limit their normal physical development and activities. Option B, "Antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis," is also incorrect. Antibiotic prophylaxis is only recommended for certain high-risk cardiac conditions that predispose individuals to infective endocarditis, not for innocent murmurs. Option C, "An initial echocardiographic tracing to rule out structural heart disease," is unnecessary for innocent murmurs because these murmurs are typically diagnosed based on a thorough clinical evaluation and do not require further imaging studies unless there are additional concerning symptoms or findings. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers, especially pediatric nurses, to understand the distinction between innocent murmurs and pathological murmurs. By recognizing the characteristics of innocent murmurs and understanding that they do not require intervention, nurses can provide appropriate care and reassurance to children and their families, promoting their overall well-being and avoiding unnecessary tests or treatments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the initial treatment of rheumatic fever with severe carditis and congestive heart failure, the correct answer is C) Acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses. This is because the use of salicylates like aspirin is contraindicated in patients with acute rheumatic fever due to the risk of causing Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the brain and liver. Option A) Benzathine benzyl penicillin 1.2 mega unit is essential in the treatment of rheumatic fever to eradicate the streptococcal infection that triggers the disease. Option B) Complete bed rest is important to reduce the workload on the heart and prevent further complications. Option D) Prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses may be used in cases of severe carditis but is not the initial treatment of choice. In the context of pediatric nursing education, it is crucial for students to understand the rationale behind treatment choices for rheumatic fever to provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients. Understanding the contraindications and appropriate use of medications is essential in preventing potential complications and promoting positive patient outcomes.