The following statements concerning acute gastroenteritis in childhood are correct:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Intravenous fluid therapy is essential in severe cases. In cases of acute gastroenteritis in children, especially when severe, rapid dehydration can occur due to excessive diarrhea and vomiting. Intravenous fluid therapy is crucial to restore and maintain hydration, electrolyte balance, and prevent complications such as shock. Option B) Loperamide should be avoided because it is not recommended for use in children with acute gastroenteritis, especially in cases of suspected infectious etiology. Loperamide can slow down gut motility, which may prolong the duration of illness and increase the risk of complications. Option C) The commonest causes of failure to thrive following an attack is persistent bacterial infection is incorrect. Failure to thrive following acute gastroenteritis in children is more commonly associated with inadequate nutrition intake during the illness and the body's effort to recover, rather than persistent bacterial infection. Option D) Septicaemia is a recognised feature of Salmonella gastroenteritis is incorrect. While Salmonella gastroenteritis can lead to severe illness, including dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, septicemia is not a common feature of uncomplicated cases of Salmonella gastroenteritis in children. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers, especially pediatric nurses, to be knowledgeable about the appropriate management of acute gastroenteritis in children. Understanding the correct interventions, such as intravenous fluid therapy, and avoiding inappropriate treatments, like loperamide, can significantly impact patient outcomes and prevent complications. This knowledge is essential for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients with gastrointestinal illnesses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric pharmacology, understanding acute bronchiolitis is crucial for nurses caring for children. The correct answer is A) A higher incidence in infants than in school children. This is because acute bronchiolitis primarily affects infants under the age of 2, with the peak incidence occurring in the first year of life. Infants have smaller airways that are more susceptible to inflammation and obstruction by viruses, leading to bronchiolitis. Option B) The production of copious amounts of purulent sputum is incorrect because acute bronchiolitis is typically caused by a viral infection, leading to inflammation and mucus production, but the sputum is usually not purulent. Option C) Widespread fine crackles is incorrect as this finding is more commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia, not necessarily bronchiolitis. Option D) A polymorphonuclear leucocytosis is incorrect because bronchiolitis is typically caused by viruses, leading to a lymphocytic predominance in the white blood cell count, rather than polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the age group most affected by acute bronchiolitis, its typical clinical presentation, and the differences in diagnostic findings compared to other respiratory conditions commonly seen in children. This knowledge helps nurses provide appropriate care, monitor for complications, and educate families on managing the condition at home.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric pharmacology, understanding the signs and symptoms of psychosis in children is crucial for early identification and intervention. The correct answer, option D) Feelings of depersonalization, is indicative of psychosis in children. Depersonalization refers to feeling detached from oneself, which is a common symptom in psychotic disorders. Option A) Absence of speech is more indicative of selective mutism or other communication disorders rather than psychosis. Option B) Intense outbursts of temper are commonly seen in disruptive behavior disorders such as ADHD or oppositional defiant disorder. Option C) Recurrence of bed-wetting following a period of control is more suggestive of emotional stress or developmental issues rather than psychosis. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing subtle signs of psychosis in children, which can often be overlooked or misinterpreted. By understanding these distinctions, healthcare providers can better assess and support children with mental health concerns. Early identification and intervention are key in improving outcomes for children experiencing psychosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular nursing, understanding the effects of drugs on electrolyte balance is crucial. The correct answer, option C) Salbutamol for asthma, causes hypokalemia. Salbutamol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that can stimulate the Na+/K+ pump, leading to potassium shifting into cells and subsequent hypokalemia. This effect is important to monitor in pediatric patients to prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Option A) Commencement of digoxin for atrial fibrillation is incorrect because digoxin can actually lead to hyperkalemia due to its effects on renal potassium excretion. Option B) ACE inhibitors typically do not cause hypokalemia; instead, they can lead to hyperkalemia due to their mechanism of action on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Option D) Vitamin B1 for the treatment of pernicious anemia is incorrect as it does not have a direct impact on potassium levels. Understanding the specific effects of medications on electrolytes is essential for safe pediatric pharmacological management, especially in cardiovascular conditions where electrolyte imbalances can have serious consequences on cardiac function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular nursing, understanding the cranial nerves and their functions is crucial as they play a significant role in regulating autonomic functions. The correct answer is option D) Vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, carries pre-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that innervate various organs in the thorax and abdomen, including the heart. It is responsible for regulating heart rate, gastrointestinal motility, and respiratory function in children. Option A) Oculomotor nerve controls the movements of the eye and is not primarily involved in carrying parasympathetic nerves. Option B) Trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensory innervation of the face and motor functions for chewing. It is not associated with carrying parasympathetic nerves. Option C) Facial nerve controls facial expressions and taste sensation, but it does not carry pre-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves. Educationally, knowing the specific functions of each cranial nerve is vital for pediatric nurses when assessing and managing cardiovascular conditions in children. Understanding the role of the vagus nerve in regulating autonomic functions helps nurses provide comprehensive care and anticipate potential complications related to the cardiovascular system in pediatric patients.