One of the following medications used in treatment of atopic dermatitis should be discontinued after failure to achieve good results within 4-6 weeks

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, it is crucial to monitor the response to medications to ensure optimal outcomes for pediatric patients. Omalizumab, as the correct answer, is a monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE) and is typically used for severe cases of atopic dermatitis. If a pediatric patient fails to show improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting omalizumab, it should be discontinued as it may indicate inefficacy or the need to explore alternative treatment options. Regarding the incorrect options: - A) Methotrexate is a medication used in severe cases of atopic dermatitis, but discontinuation is not solely based on a lack of response within a specific timeframe. - B) Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant that may take longer to show results, and discontinuation should be guided by the healthcare provider's assessment of the patient's response. - D) Mycophenolate mofetil is another immunosuppressant that may require a longer duration to evaluate its effectiveness in managing atopic dermatitis. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind discontinuing medications in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is essential for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care. Monitoring the response to treatment, knowing when to discontinue a medication, and collaborating with the healthcare team for alternative options are critical aspects of pediatric nursing practice. This knowledge ensures that pediatric patients receive appropriate and timely interventions to manage their atopic dermatitis effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) giant papillary conjunctivitis. Contact lenses are associated with this condition due to chronic mechanical irritation caused by the lens itself. Giant papillary conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and mucous discharge. Option A) contact allergy is incorrect because contact lenses typically do not cause an allergic reaction, but rather mechanical irritation. Option B) allergic conjunctivitis is also incorrect as it is usually triggered by allergens such as pollen or pet dander, not by contact lenses. Option C) vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis that mainly affects children and is not directly related to contact lens wear. In an educational context, understanding the complications associated with contact lens use is crucial for pediatric nurses. By knowing the potential risks like giant papillary conjunctivitis, nurses can educate both children and parents on proper contact lens hygiene, usage, and when to seek medical attention if symptoms arise. This knowledge helps in promoting eye health and preventing complications in pediatric patients who wear contact lenses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In fatal anaphylaxis, one of the principal pathologic features is acute bronchial obstruction. This is the correct answer because anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause the airways to constrict rapidly, leading to difficulty in breathing and potentially fatal respiratory distress. Option B, hypotension, is incorrect because while hypotension can occur in anaphylaxis due to systemic vasodilation and fluid shifts, it is not a principal pathologic feature in fatal cases. Option C, behavioral change, is also incorrect as it is not a typical presentation of anaphylaxis. Option D, abdominal pain, is not a primary feature of anaphylaxis but may occur in some cases due to gastrointestinal involvement. In an educational context, understanding the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis is crucial for pediatric nurses to recognize and respond promptly to this life-threatening condition. Recognizing the key features such as acute bronchial obstruction can guide nurses in providing timely and appropriate interventions such as administering epinephrine and managing airway compromise to prevent fatal outcomes in pediatric patients experiencing anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) abdominal pain. Acute IgE-mediated food allergies typically manifest with symptoms like urticaria (hives), pruritis (itching), and diarrhea due to the body's immune response to the allergen. Abdominal pain is not a classic symptom of an IgE-mediated food allergy reaction. Urticaria and pruritis are common skin manifestations seen in IgE-mediated food allergies due to the release of histamine in response to the allergen. Diarrhea can occur as the body tries to expel the allergen through the gastrointestinal tract. Educationally, understanding the symptoms of food allergies is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working with pediatric patients who may have allergies. Recognizing these symptoms promptly can lead to appropriate and timely interventions to prevent severe allergic reactions. It is essential for nurses to be able to differentiate between various symptoms to provide effective care and support to pediatric patients with food allergies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin reaction that can be triggered by certain medications. In this case, the correct answer is C) sulfonamide. Sulfonamide antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole, have been associated with causing SJS in pediatric patients. These drugs can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction that manifests as SJS. Option A) dapsone is primarily used in the treatment of leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis; it is not commonly linked to SJS in comparison to sulfonamides. Option B) hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication that is more commonly associated with drug-induced lupus than with SJS. Option D) procainamide is an antiarrhythmic drug that is known to be associated with drug-induced lupus, rather than SJS. Educationally, understanding the medications that can cause severe adverse reactions like SJS is crucial for pediatric nurses. Being able to identify high-risk medications can help prevent adverse events in pediatric patients. Nurses need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of SJS and understand the importance of monitoring patients closely when administering medications known to have this potential side effect. This knowledge can significantly impact patient safety and outcomes in pediatric nursing practice.