The parent of a 9-month-old calls the ER because his child is choking on a marble. The parent asks how to help his child while awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Which is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "You should administer five back blows followed by five chest thrusts." This response is the most appropriate because for a child under 1 year old, the recommended first aid technique for choking is a series of five back blows followed by five chest thrusts. This technique is specifically designed for infants to dislodge the obstructing object and clear the airway without causing harm. Option A suggests administering abdominal thrusts, which are not recommended for infants as they can cause harm to their delicate bodies. Option B advises trying to retrieve the object manually, which can potentially push the object further down the airway. Option C mentions the Heimlich maneuver, which is suitable for conscious adults or older children but not recommended for infants due to the risk of injury. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to be well-versed in pediatric first aid techniques, especially for common emergencies like choking. By understanding and correctly applying the appropriate interventions, nurses can help save lives and prevent further complications in pediatric patients. Training and regular practice of these skills are essential for healthcare professionals working with pediatric populations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the symptoms of heart failure in children is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer, option C, "Weight gain," is not typically seen in children with heart failure. This is because heart failure in children often presents with symptoms such as poor feeding (option A), rapid breathing (option B), and fatigue (option D). Poor feeding is common in children with heart failure due to increased metabolic demands and decreased cardiac output, leading to reduced appetite. Rapid breathing occurs as the body compensates for the heart's inability to pump effectively by increasing respiratory rate to improve oxygenation. Fatigue is a result of the heart’s decreased ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to decreased energy levels in children with heart failure. Understanding these symptoms is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients with heart failure as early recognition and intervention can significantly impact outcomes. Educating nurses on these manifestations equips them to provide timely and appropriate care, such as monitoring intake and output, administering medications, and collaborating with the healthcare team to optimize the child's cardiac function. This knowledge ensures safe and effective nursing practice in managing pediatric patients with heart failure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct immediate step in managing a 7-month-old infant with suspected foreign body aspiration is to give five back blows between the scapulae (Option B). This action is recommended by the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics for infants under 1 year of age. Giving abdominal thrusts (Option A) is not recommended for infants as it can cause harm. Performing the Heimlich maneuver (Option C) is also not recommended for infants as it can be ineffective and potentially harmful. Giving oxygen inhalation (Option D) is not the immediate priority in this situation where airway obstruction is suspected. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to be familiar with the appropriate first aid interventions for foreign body aspiration in pediatric patients. Understanding the differences in managing airway obstruction in infants versus adults is essential to prevent further complications and provide timely and effective care. Nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam need to grasp these critical pediatric respiratory emergency interventions to ensure safe and competent practice in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the treatment of malnutrition, the rehabilitation phase aims to achieve catch-up growth. This is the correct answer because during this phase, the focus shifts from simply providing adequate nutrition to promoting rapid growth and weight gain to make up for the period of malnutrition. Catch-up growth is essential to ensure that the child reaches their appropriate growth potential and developmental milestones. Option A, repairing cellular function, is not the primary goal of the rehabilitation phase. While improving cellular function is important, the main focus of this phase is on promoting growth and development. Option B, correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalance, is more related to the initial phases of treating malnutrition when stabilization and correction of imbalances take precedence. Option C, restoring homeostasis, is a more general concept and not the specific goal of the rehabilitation phase in treating malnutrition. Educationally, understanding the different phases of treating malnutrition is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. It is important for nurses to know the specific goals of each phase to provide effective care and monitor the child's progress accurately. Recognizing the significance of catch-up growth in the rehabilitation phase helps nurses tailor interventions to support optimal outcomes for children recovering from malnutrition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) 4 months. At around 4 months of age, infants typically develop the strength and control in their neck and upper body muscles to lift their head to a 90° angle when placed in a prone (on stomach) position. This milestone is an important indicator of the infant's gross motor development and is a crucial step towards achieving further motor skills, such as rolling over and eventually crawling. Option A) 1 month is too early for an infant to lift their head to a 90° angle. At this stage, most infants are still developing their neck muscles and have limited control over their head movement. Option B) 2 months is also premature for this milestone as infants are still in the early stages of building neck strength and control. Option C) 3 months is closer to the correct timeline, but most infants will not have the full capability to lift their head to 90° at this stage. Understanding the timeline of gross motor development in infants is crucial for pediatric nurses as it allows them to assess a child's growth and development accurately. By recognizing the expected milestones, nurses can identify any potential delays or concerns early on and provide appropriate interventions to support the child's progress.