Toddlers have a negativistic and egoistic personality. They usually exhibit temper tantrums to gain control over their environment. Bona, a Community Health Nurse is making a newborn follow-up home visit. During the visit, Nicole a 2-year-old sibling has temper tantrums. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this scenario is to suggest that the parents ignore the child's behavior (Option C). Ignoring temper tantrums can often be an effective way to extinguish the behavior because it removes the reinforcement the child may be seeking through attention. By not giving in to the tantrum, the child learns that this behavior will not lead to the desired outcome of attention or control. Option A is not the best choice because at 2 years old, Nicole may not fully comprehend complex rules. Leaving Nicole alone in her bedroom (Option B) could lead to feelings of abandonment and isolation, which may exacerbate the tantrum. Explaining that Nicole is jealous of the new baby (Option D) may not address the immediate behavior and could inadvertently reinforce the tantrum by giving it a label and attention. In an educational context, understanding toddler behavior and development is crucial for nurses working with pediatric populations. By recognizing typical behaviors like temper tantrums as part of normal development, nurses can provide appropriate guidance to parents and caregivers on how to effectively manage and respond to these behaviors. Ignoring tantrums can help children learn more adaptive ways to cope with frustration and communicate their needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of Kurt developing polycythemia, the correct answer is D) Tissue oxygen need. Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an increase in red blood cell production, often in response to chronic hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the tissues. When the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen, the kidneys release erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Option A) Cardiac enlargement is incorrect because while polycythemia can lead to increased blood volume and strain on the heart, it is not the primary cause of the condition. Option B) Low blood pressure is not directly related to the development of polycythemia. Low blood pressure may be a consequence of polycythemia due to increased blood viscosity, but it is not the underlying cause. Option C) Poor valve stenosis is also unrelated to the development of polycythemia. Valve stenosis may lead to issues with blood flow and cardiac function, but it does not directly trigger the body to produce more red blood cells as a response to tissue oxygen need. Understanding the relationship between tissue oxygen need and the development of polycythemia is crucial in pediatric nursing. It highlights the body's complex mechanisms to adapt to low oxygen levels and emphasizes the importance of addressing oxygenation issues promptly to prevent complications like polycythemia. This knowledge equips nurses to recognize and intervene in respiratory conditions effectively in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a pediatric patient suspected of having chicken pox (varicella), the correct type of precaution required is airborne precautions with isolation room (Option C). This is because chicken pox is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, specifically through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Placing the patient in an isolation room with negative air pressure helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Standard precautions (Option A) are not sufficient in this case because they are the basic level of infection control that should be applied to all patients. Contact precautions (Option B) are used for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile, not for airborne diseases like chicken pox. Droplet precautions (Option D) are used for diseases transmitted through large respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis, but they are not as effective as airborne precautions for diseases like chicken pox that have smaller droplets that can remain suspended in the air. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate type of precautions for different infectious diseases is crucial for nurses to protect themselves, other patients, and visitors from potential exposure and transmission. It also highlights the importance of following evidence-based guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals in a healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including chickenpox in children. The correct answer is A) Decrease the number of lesions. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the chickenpox infection. By decreasing the number of lesions, it helps in alleviating symptoms, promoting faster recovery, and reducing the risk of complications. Option B) Prevent aplastic anemia is incorrect because acyclovir is not used to prevent this condition. Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious side effect of certain medications, but it is not a primary indication for acyclovir use in children with chickenpox. Option C) Prevent spread of the disease is incorrect because while acyclovir can help in reducing the severity of the infection in the affected child, its primary purpose is not to prevent the spread of chickenpox to others. Prevention of spread is typically achieved through isolation and vaccination. Option D) Minimize scarring is incorrect because although reducing the number of lesions can indirectly contribute to minimizing scarring, acyclovir is primarily used for its antiviral properties to treat the infection itself rather than focusing on scar prevention. In an educational context, it is important for pediatric nurses to understand the rationale behind using specific medications in the treatment of childhood illnesses like chickenpox. Knowing the correct indications for medications such as acyclovir can help nurses provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients, ensuring optimal outcomes and promoting patient well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, preventing communicable diseases is crucial to ensuring the well-being of children. The correct answer is B) Immunizations. Immunizations are a key component of primary prevention because they help to protect individuals from contracting infectious diseases in the first place. By administering vaccines, the immune system is primed to recognize and fight off specific pathogens, reducing the risk of disease transmission and outbreak. Option A) Early diagnosis is a component of secondary prevention, which focuses on detecting and treating diseases in their early stages to prevent complications. While early diagnosis is important, it is not considered primary prevention like immunizations. Option C) Treatment of disease falls under tertiary prevention, which involves managing and treating existing conditions to prevent further complications or relapses. Treating a disease after it has already occurred is not considered primary prevention. Option D) Strict isolation is a measure taken in the case of an outbreak to prevent the spread of a communicable disease but is not a primary prevention strategy. It is a form of infection control and falls under the realm of outbreak management rather than primary prevention. In an educational context, understanding the different levels of prevention is essential for nurses to provide comprehensive care. By grasping the distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, nurses can effectively implement strategies to promote health, prevent disease, and protect vulnerable populations like children from communicable diseases. Emphasizing the importance of immunizations as a primary prevention measure underscores the role of vaccines in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases in pediatric populations.