What should the parents of a child with asthma do to make their home more allergy-free?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Avoid purchasing upholstered furniture. Parents of a child with asthma should aim to make their home as allergy-free as possible to minimize triggers that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Upholstered furniture can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can worsen asthma. Choosing furniture made of easy-to-clean materials like wood or leather can help reduce allergen exposure in the home. Option A, using a humidifier, is not recommended as it can actually increase humidity levels and promote mold and dust mite growth, worsening allergies and asthma symptoms. Option B, chemically cleaning the carpet once a month, can introduce more irritants into the environment and may not be necessary if regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum is done. Option C, washing household pets weekly, may not be practical or necessary if the child is not specifically allergic to pet dander. For educational context, it is important for pediatric nurses to educate parents on creating an asthma-friendly environment at home. Understanding common allergens and triggers, as well as practical steps to minimize exposure, can significantly improve the quality of life for children with asthma. Encouraging parents to make informed choices about home furnishings and cleaning practices can help manage asthma symptoms and reduce the need for medical interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C, the 9-year-old who is quiet, pale, and wheezing bilaterally with an oxygen saturation of 92%. This child should be seen first because they are showing signs of respiratory distress, such as pallor, quietness, and decreased oxygen saturation. These are concerning signs indicating a worsening condition requiring immediate attention. Option A, the 12-month-old with diminished breath sounds and oxygen saturation of 93%, also presents with worrisome symptoms, but the presence of pallor in option C indicates a more severe situation. Option B, the 5-year-old, despite speaking in complete sentences and being pink in color, is wheezing bilaterally and has a low oxygen saturation level, needing prompt assessment as well. Option D, the 16-year-old, is managing to speak and maintain relatively higher oxygen saturation compared to the others, making them a lower priority for immediate intervention. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients with asthma. It emphasizes the need for nurses to prioritize care based on the severity of symptoms and vital signs, ensuring timely interventions to prevent further deterioration in children with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention to teach the mother of a child with an upper respiratory infection (URI) and a dry, hacking cough that prevents sleep is option D: Give 1/2 teaspoon of honey four to five times per day. Rationale: Honey has been shown to be an effective and safe remedy for cough in children over the age of 1 year. It has natural soothing and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate cough symptoms, especially at night, allowing the child and parent to get much-needed rest. Why others are wrong: A) Giving cough suppressants at night can be dangerous for young children and may lead to respiratory suppression, especially in cases of URI. B) Expectorants may not be suitable for a dry, hacking cough as they work by increasing mucus production to help clear the airways, which is not the issue in this scenario. C) Cold and flu medications often contain multiple ingredients, some of which may not be appropriate for young children and may not specifically target cough symptoms in this case. Educational context: It is crucial for parents to understand the appropriate remedies for common childhood illnesses like URIs. Educating them on evidence-based practices, such as using honey for cough relief in children over 1 year old, helps empower them to provide safe and effective care for their child. Parents should always consult with healthcare providers before administering any remedies to ensure they are appropriate for their child's age and condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, the correct positioning of a child with left-sided pneumonia is crucial for optimal comfort and respiratory function. The most comfortable position for a child with left-sided pneumonia is the left side-lying position (Option B). The rationale behind this is that the left side-lying position promotes better ventilation and perfusion to the unaffected right lung. This positioning helps to optimize oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing for the child. It also helps to prevent the pooling of secretions in the affected left lung, aiding in drainage and clearance. The other options are incorrect for various reasons: A) Trendelenburg position is not suitable for a child with pneumonia as it can lead to increased pressure on the diaphragm, compromising respiratory function. C) Right side-lying position is not ideal for left-sided pneumonia as it can further impair ventilation to the affected lung. D) The supine position may not facilitate optimal ventilation and can lead to pooling of secretions in the dependent lung. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind positioning in pediatric respiratory conditions is essential for nursing practice. By knowing how different positions affect ventilation, perfusion, and secretion clearance, nurses can provide optimal care to pediatric patients with respiratory issues, promoting better outcomes and comfort for the child.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Wash their hands after sneezing. This is the right choice because handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of influenza and other infectious diseases. When children wash their hands after sneezing, they help remove any germs that may be present on their hands, reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others. Option A) Stay home if they have a runny nose and cough is not the best choice in this scenario because not all runny noses and coughs are due to influenza. It is important to teach children good hygiene habits even when they are not feeling ill to prevent the spread of germs. Option B) Wash their hands after using the restroom is a good hygiene practice but may not be as effective in preventing the spread of influenza compared to washing hands after sneezing, which directly addresses the potential transmission of the virus through respiratory droplets. Option D) Have a flu shot annually is an important preventive measure against influenza, but in the context of stopping the spread within the classroom, immediate actions like handwashing after sneezing play a more significant role. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of teaching children proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like influenza. It highlights the role of individual actions in a communal setting, showing how small actions can have a significant impact on public health. By understanding and practicing these behaviors, children can contribute to creating a healthier classroom environment for themselves and their peers.