Parents have a concern that their child is depressed. The nurse relates that which characteristic best describes children with depression?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Change in appetite, resulting in weight loss or gain, is a common characteristic seen in children with depression. Some children may experience a significant decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss, while others may have an increased appetite, resulting in weight gain. This change in eating habits is often a noticeable sign that may indicate the presence of depression in children. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of any significant changes in a child's eating patterns and behavior, as it could be a potential indicator of underlying mental health issues such as depression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Uremic frost is a term used to describe the presence of urea crystals on the skin of individuals with chronic renal failure. As kidney function declines in chronic renal failure, the body is unable to effectively excrete waste products such as urea. Urea can then be deposited on the skin when sweating, leading to the formation of white or frost-like crystals, giving the appearance of "uremic frost." This condition is a visible indicator of severe kidney dysfunction and the buildup of waste products in the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs while in utero. After birth, the ductus arteriosus should close to redirect blood flow through the lungs for oxygenation. Surgical closure of the ductus arteriosus is performed to prevent the shunting of unoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta, therefore stopping the loss of unoxygenated blood to the systemic circulation. This helps to ensure that oxygenated blood is properly circulated to the body tissues and organs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If evidence of cardiac tamponade is found in a child after heart surgery, it is crucial for the nurse to immediately report this to the physician. Cardiac tamponade is a serious condition where excess fluid or blood accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart and affecting its ability to pump effectively. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent potential life-threatening outcomes. The physician would need to assess the child's condition, consider performing procedures to relieve the tamponade such as pericardiocentesis, and provide appropriate treatment to stabilize the child. Delaying reporting and action in cases of cardiac tamponade can lead to further complications and worsen the child's condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, the correct nursing intervention of allowing ambulation as tolerated is crucial for promoting circulation, preventing complications such as blood clots, and aiding in the child's overall recovery. Encouraging movement also helps in preventing complications related to prolonged immobility, such as muscle stiffness and decreased lung function. Monitoring vital signs every 2 hours is not typically a standard nursing intervention post-cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients unless there are specific indications or complications arise. While assessing the affected extremity for temperature and color is important in some situations, it is not a routine nursing intervention following cardiac catheterization unless there are specific concerns such as signs of infection or impaired circulation. Checking pulses above the catheterization site for equality and symmetry is not a primary nursing intervention post-cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients. While monitoring pulses is essential in assessing circulation, focusing on the site above the catheterization may not always be directly related to the immediate post-procedure care in all cases. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the rationale behind each nursing intervention post-cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients. This includes recognizing the significance of early mobilization, appropriate monitoring based on individual patient needs, and targeted assessments to ensure optimal recovery and prevent complications. By prioritizing evidence-based interventions, nurses can provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients undergoing cardiac procedures.