What early respiratory symptoms should parents expect in a child with cystic fibrosis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder affecting the respiratory and digestive systems, wheezing respirations and a dry, nonproductive cough are common early symptoms. These symptoms result from the thick, sticky mucus produced in the airways, leading to airway obstruction and inflammation. Therefore, option D is correct as it aligns with the typical early respiratory manifestations of CF. Option A, developing a barrel-shaped chest, is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rather than CF. Option B, chronic productive cough, is more indicative of conditions like bronchitis or chronic bronchial infections, which can occur in CF but are not typically early symptoms. Option C, bronchiectasis, is a complication of CF due to chronic infection and inflammation but is not an early symptom parents should expect. In an educational context, understanding the early respiratory symptoms of CF is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. By recognizing these symptoms, prompt management can be initiated to improve the quality of life and long-term outcomes for children with CF.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) We will swab your child's nose and send the specimen for testing. In the case of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the most common method of diagnosis is by obtaining a nasal swab to test for the presence of the virus. RSV is primarily a respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages, and it is crucial to confirm the presence of the virus through specific testing methods. Option A is incorrect because a simple blood test is not typically used to diagnose RSV. RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, so a blood test may not provide accurate results for this virus. Option B is incorrect because while the diagnosis of RSV is based on the child's symptoms, confirming the presence of the virus through testing is crucial for appropriate management and infection control measures. Option D is incorrect because sending a viral culture to an outside lab for testing may not be the most efficient or timely method for diagnosing RSV. Nasal swab testing is a more direct and commonly used method for diagnosing respiratory viruses like RSV. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate diagnostic methods for different respiratory disorders is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Proper diagnosis of RSV allows for timely interventions, appropriate treatment, and implementation of infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus to other vulnerable individuals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Your child's diet should be restricted to soft foods after a tonsillectomy because soft, non-irritating foods can help prevent injury to the surgical site and promote healing. Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can cause pain and discomfort, and may even lead to bleeding. Soft foods are gentler on the throat and easier to swallow during the healing process. Option A is incorrect because a child's diet should indeed be restricted after a tonsillectomy to prevent complications and promote recovery. Option B is also incorrect as clear liquids alone may not provide enough nutrition for proper healing. Option C is incorrect because while cold liquids and ice cream may be soothing, they do not provide the necessary nutrients for healing. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to educate parents on appropriate post-tonsillectomy dietary guidelines to ensure optimal recovery for their child. By understanding the rationale behind the need for soft foods, parents can actively participate in their child's care and contribute to a smoother recovery process.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Children younger than 3 years typically exhibit worse symptoms because their immune systems are less mature. This statement is accurate because younger children have immune systems that are still developing, making them more vulnerable to respiratory infections like croup. Their bodies have not yet built up the same level of immunity as older children or adults, resulting in more severe symptoms when they contract illnesses such as croup. Option A is incorrect because while it is true that each child is an individual and may react differently to viruses, the age-related differences in immune system development play a significant role in the severity of symptoms. Option B is incorrect because younger children actually have narrower airways, not wider ones, which can contribute to the development of respiratory issues like croup. Bacterial colonization is not typically a primary factor in croup, which is commonly caused by viruses. Option C is incorrect because while it is true that younger children have developing immune systems, the main reason for the increased severity of symptoms in croup is the immaturity of their immune response rather than the length of their immune system development. In an educational context, understanding the impact of age on the severity of respiratory illnesses like croup is vital for nurses caring for pediatric patients. By recognizing the differences in immune system maturity between age groups, healthcare providers can better anticipate and manage the symptoms and complications that may arise in younger children with conditions like croup.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory disorders, specifically nasopharyngitis, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the parent on providing comfort measures for the child, which is the correct answer (C). Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, is a viral infection that does not require antibiotics (A), so completing a prescription of antibiotics would be unnecessary and potentially harmful due to antibiotic resistance. Sending the child to daycare (B) is not necessarily contraindicated unless the child is too ill to participate in normal activities. Restricting the child to clear liquids for 24 hours (D) is not appropriate for nasopharyngitis unless there are specific complications like dehydration. Educationally, it is important to emphasize to parents that nasopharyngitis is typically a self-limiting viral illness that can be managed with symptomatic relief measures such as rest, hydration, humidified air, and over-the-counter medications for comfort. This approach helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, promotes appropriate management of viral illnesses, and empowers parents to provide appropriate care for their child.