Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is essential post-tonsillectomy to keep the throat moist, aid in healing, and prevent dehydration. Gargling with salt water may irritate the surgical site and is typically avoided to prevent discomfort and irritation. Providing hard candy can be harmful as it may cause trauma to the surgical area and should be avoided to prevent injury. Applying heat to the neck is not recommended as it can increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical region. Therefore, the correct instruction is to encourage fluid intake.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation that a nurse is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception is a medical emergency where a part of the intestine folds into itself, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and the build-up of gases and fluids. While currant jelly stools (Choice B) are a classic sign of intussusception, they are typically seen in later stages of the condition and may not be present during the initial assessment. Projectile vomiting (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis. Constipation (Choice D) is not a typical manifestation of intussusception; the condition usually presents with severe colicky abdominal pain and possible passage of blood and mucus in stools.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The major characteristic of a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting is increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a typical characteristic of this condition. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions involving chronic hypoxia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the leading cause of shock in infants and children due to their heightened vulnerability to sepsis. Infants and children possess developing immune systems, rendering them more susceptible to infections that can progress to septic shock. While cardiac failure is a severe condition, it is not as commonly the primary cause of shock in this age group. Accidental poisoning, though a potential shock inducer, is less prevalent in infants and children compared to infections. Severe allergic reactions, though significant, are not as frequent as infections in precipitating shock in infants and children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for a patent airway. When dealing with a child who has sustained partial thickness burns, the priority is ensuring a patent airway due to the risk of respiratory compromise. Checking the child's skin color (choice A) may be important but is secondary to assessing the airway. While observing for symmetric breathing (choice C) is crucial, assessing the airway takes precedence in this situation. Palpating the child's pulse (choice D) is not the initial priority when managing burns and potential airway compromise.