Theresa, a mother with a 2-year-old daughter, asks, 'At what age can I start taking my daughter's blood pressure as a routine procedure, since hypertension is common in our family?' What would your answer be?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Regular blood pressure checks generally start from age 3, but in the case of a family history of hypertension, they should start when the child is around 6 years old. This is because the readings will be more reliable and indicative of the child's health condition at this age. The other options are incorrect because they suggest earlier ages for routine blood pressure checks. While blood pressure can be measured at any age, it is not typically included as part of a routine health check-up for very young children unless there are specific health concerns.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best choice for a pruritus (itching) patient is a colloidal (oatmeal) bath, as it is known for its soothing effect on itchy, irritated skin. Saline, water, and sodium bicarbonate baths may not provide the same level of relief for pruritus. The nursing care should involve comprehensive assessments and appropriate interventions to optimize patient outcomes. In this case, a colloidal bath is the most suitable intervention for a patient experiencing pruritus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In psychological terms, a 'Crisis' refers to a state of disequilibrium wherein a person cannot readily solve a problem or situation even by using his usual coping mechanisms. This is different from 'Mental Illness' (Choice C) which is a more general term for a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior. 'Mental Health' (Choice B) is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. Finally, 'Stress' (Choice D) is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances, but it does not necessarily disrupt equilibrium to the extent that usual coping mechanisms are ineffective, unlike 'Crisis'.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary objective when dealing with cases of child abuse is to ensure the safety of the child and any siblings. This means creating a secure environment free from harm, which is why choice 'A' is the correct answer. While choices 'B', 'C', and 'D' might be subsequent steps in a comprehensive plan to deal with the situation, they are not the immediate priority. Understanding abusive behavioral patterns or improving the relationship with the counselor will not directly lead to the child's safety. Likewise, teaching the mother to apply verbal discipline doesn't guarantee the child's safety if the abusive behavior continues. Therefore, these options are not the most important initial goal.