What is the best initial intervention for a child experiencing moderate dehydration?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage oral rehydration. Oral rehydration is the first-line treatment for moderate dehydration in children. It helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) is usually reserved for severe cases of dehydration where oral rehydration is not feasible or ineffective. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important but should not replace the immediate need for rehydration. Providing clear fluids (Choice D) may not contain the necessary electrolytes required for effective rehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to thick mucus buildup in the lungs, which predisposes these children to recurrent respiratory infections. Malnutrition and diabetes are common comorbidities in cystic fibrosis but are not the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in affected children. Liver disease can occur in cystic fibrosis but is less common than respiratory complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Strawberry tongue. In Kawasaki disease, a 'strawberry tongue' is most indicative of the acute phase. This refers to the tongue appearing red and swollen with enlarged fungiform papillae, giving it a strawberry-like appearance. Joint pain (Choice B) is more commonly associated with other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Rash (Choice C) and peeling skin (Choice D) are also seen in Kawasaki disease but are not as specific to the acute phase as the presence of a strawberry tongue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the baby on their back to sleep. This position is the most effective way to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) according to research and recommendations from healthcare providers. Choice A, using a firm mattress, is important for infant safety but not as directly related to preventing SIDS. Keeping the room warm, as mentioned in choice C, is not recommended as it may increase the risk of SIDS. While breastfeeding has many benefits, choice D, breastfeeding exclusively is not the most effective method for preventing SIDS.