What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years. It leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Vaccination against rotavirus has significantly reduced the incidence of this disease, but it remains a major cause of morbidity in young children globally. Salmonella and Shigella can cause gastroenteritis, but they are less common in children under 5 years. Norovirus is also a common cause of gastroenteritis, but Rotavirus is the most prevalent in this age group.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breast development (thelarche) is usually the first sign of puberty in females, typically beginning between ages 8 and 13. This marks the start of puberty, followed by pubic hair growth, a growth spurt, and eventually menarche (the onset of menstruation). Pubic hair growth and axillary hair growth usually follow breast development in the sequence of pubertal changes. Therefore, the first noticeable change indicating the onset of puberty in females is the development of breast buds.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.