Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis is to continually assess the respiratory status (Option D). Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can potentially lead to respiratory distress, making continuous monitoring crucial to identify early signs of deterioration and intervene promptly. While options A, B, and C are also important aspects of care, they do not take precedence over respiratory assessment in this critical situation. Initiating measures to reduce fever (Option A), ensuring oxygen delivery (Option B), and providing emotional support (Option C) are all significant interventions, but without ongoing assessment of respiratory status, there is a risk of missing potential respiratory deterioration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a sprained ankle is to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then remove for 60 minutes to prevent tissue damage. This regimen helps reduce swelling and pain. Bed rest with the leg elevated for an extended period (36 hours) may lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. While NSAIDs can be used for pain, they may not be necessary if pain is manageable with ice and rest. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours continuously may impede proper circulation and delay healing by restricting blood flow.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. Clubbing occurs as a result of long-standing decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to changes in the fingertips. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not typically a direct clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. While decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may occur due to chronic hypoxia, they are not a primary manifestation specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a common clinical manifestation associated with tetralogy of Fallot.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from an abrupt rise in body temperature, leading to febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are common in young children and are typically triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, often due to infections or other causes. An inflammatory process in the brain (Choice B) is less common as a cause of seizures in children and is usually associated with specific conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. While a temperature greater than 102°F (Choice C) may trigger a febrile seizure, it is the abrupt rise in temperature that is the primary cause. Choice D, a life-threatening infection, is a broad and less specific cause compared to the direct trigger of an abrupt rise in body temperature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.