Of the following, the strongest identifiable factor for the persistence of childhood asthma is

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the factors influencing the persistence of childhood asthma is crucial for effective management and care. The correct answer, D) parental asthma, is the strongest identifiable factor for the persistence of childhood asthma. This is because asthma has a significant genetic component, and children with a parent who has asthma are at a higher risk of developing and persisting with asthma themselves. Option A) allergy is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations, but it is not as strong a predictor for the persistence of asthma as parental history. Option B) male gender is a demographic factor that may influence asthma prevalence but is not as directly linked to persistence as parental asthma. Option C) low birth weight can be a risk factor for respiratory issues in infants, but it is not as strongly associated with the persistence of asthma compared to a family history of asthma. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the multifactorial nature of asthma in children. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to assess not only the child's symptoms but also their family medical history to provide comprehensive and personalized care. By recognizing the impact of parental asthma, nurses and healthcare professionals can better support children with asthma in managing their condition effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In atopic dermatitis, pruritus (itching) is a common symptom that can be triggered by various factors. The correct answer is C) high humidity. High humidity can exacerbate atopic dermatitis by increasing moisture on the skin, leading to further irritation and itching. This trigger is related to the skin's barrier function and its response to environmental factors. Option A) grass and B) tree nuts are possible triggers for atopic dermatitis in some individuals who have specific allergies to these substances. However, not all patients with atopic dermatitis will experience pruritus triggered by grass or tree nuts. Option D) herpes simplex is a viral infection that can cause cold sores or genital herpes but is not typically associated with triggering pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Educationally, understanding common triggers for pruritus in atopic dermatitis is essential for healthcare providers caring for pediatric patients with this condition. By recognizing and addressing triggers like high humidity, grass, and tree nuts, healthcare providers can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for children with atopic dermatitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand the appropriate management of impetiginous lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis. The best choice of antibiotic in this scenario is topical mupirocin (Option C). Mupirocin is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are common pathogens in impetigo. Topical mupirocin is preferred over oral antibiotics like erythromycin (Option A) and cephalexin (Option B) because it provides targeted therapy directly to the affected skin without the systemic side effects associated with oral antibiotics. Choosing topical ampicillin (Option D) is incorrect as ampicillin is not commonly used to treat impetiginous lesions and may not provide adequate coverage against the pathogens involved. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind selecting specific antibiotics for pediatric skin conditions is essential for nursing practice. It ensures safe and effective care for pediatric patients, minimizes the risk of antibiotic resistance, and promotes evidence-based decision-making in clinical scenarios.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) yellow jackets. In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand the different types of stinging insects to provide appropriate care for children who may encounter them. Yellow jackets are the most notorious stinging insects due to their aggressive nature and the painful sting they deliver. They are known to sting repeatedly, causing significant discomfort and potential allergic reactions in children. Option A) honeybees are less aggressive and usually only sting in defense. Their stings are painful but are not as notorious for repeated attacks. Option C) hornets are also aggressive but are less common in most areas compared to yellow jackets. Option D) bumblebees are generally docile and rarely sting unless provoked, making them less notorious for stinging incidents. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of different stinging insects is essential for pediatric nurses to educate families on prevention strategies, recognize allergic reactions, and provide appropriate treatment for children who experience insect stings. It is important for pediatric nurses to be knowledgeable about common insect encounters to ensure the safety and well-being of their young patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding ocular allergies is crucial for providing quality care to children. The correct answer, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (option B), is the most sight-threatening type of ocular allergy due to its potential to cause corneal damage and visual impairment. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic allergic eye disease that primarily affects children and is characterized by intense itching, photophobia, and mucous discharge. Contact allergy (option A) typically presents with localized symptoms upon exposure to an allergen, such as redness and swelling, but it is not known to be as sight-threatening as vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (option C) is often associated with contact lens wear and is characterized by papillae formation on the upper tarsal conjunctiva, leading to discomfort and blurry vision, but it is not as severe as vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (option D) is a common allergic condition characterized by redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes during specific seasons, but it is generally milder than vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to be able to differentiate between various types of ocular allergies to provide appropriate care and management. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis is essential for early intervention to prevent potential vision complications in pediatric patients. Nurses should also educate caregivers on allergen avoidance, proper eye hygiene, and medication management to effectively support children with ocular allergies.