What would the nurse advise the parent of a child with a barky cough that worsens at night?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Take your child outside into the humid night air for 15 minutes. This advice is in line with managing croup, a common pediatric respiratory disorder characterized by a barky cough that often worsens at night due to airway inflammation. The cool, humid air helps reduce airway swelling and can alleviate symptoms. Option B) Take your child to the emergency room immediately is not necessary for a child with croup unless they are experiencing severe respiratory distress. Option C) Giving an over-the-counter cough suppressant is not recommended for croup as it may not be effective and can potentially cause harm by suppressing the cough reflex, which is essential for clearing secretions. Option D) Giving warm liquids to soothe the throat may provide some comfort but will not address the underlying cause of the barky cough in croup. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the appropriate management strategies for pediatric respiratory disorders like croup to provide safe and effective care to children. Educating parents on home management techniques, such as exposing the child to humid air, can empower them to support their child's recovery and know when to seek further medical assistance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Give your child small amounts of fluid every hour to prevent dehydration. This is the best course of action because maintaining hydration is crucial for a child with URI symptoms and a fever. Fevers can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and increased respiratory rate, making hydration essential to prevent dehydration. Option B) Give your child Robitussin at night to reduce his cough and help him sleep is incorrect because cough suppressants are not recommended for young children due to potential side effects and lack of proven effectiveness in this age group. Option C) Give your child a baby aspirin every 4 to 6 hours to help reduce the fever is incorrect because aspirin should never be given to children with fevers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Option D) Give your child an over-the-counter cold medicine at night is incorrect because over-the-counter cold medicines are not recommended for young children due to potential side effects and limited efficacy in this population. Educationally, it is important for caregivers to understand the appropriate home care measures for children with respiratory illnesses to ensure their safety and well-being. Teaching parents about the importance of hydration, proper medication administration, and when to seek medical attention can empower them to care for their children effectively during illness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric asthma management, the quick-acting medication of choice for relieving acute symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing is Albuterol (Option C). Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator that works rapidly to open up the airways, providing immediate relief during an asthma attack. It is a first-line treatment for acute exacerbations in both children and adults due to its rapid onset of action. Prednisone (Option A) is a corticosteroid that is used for long-term control of asthma symptoms and to reduce airway inflammation, but it is not the medication of choice for quick relief during an acute asthma attack. Singulair (montelukast) (Option B) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for long-term asthma management and prevention of symptoms, but it is not as effective for providing quick relief during an acute asthma attack as Albuterol. Flovent (fluticasone) (Option D) is an inhaled corticosteroid that is also used for long-term asthma control and prevention of symptoms, but like Prednisone and Singulair, it is not the best choice for quick relief during an acute asthma exacerbation. Educationally, understanding the appropriate medications for different stages of asthma management is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients with respiratory disorders. Recognizing the differences between long-term control medications and quick-relief medications is essential for providing safe and effective care to children with asthma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: "I should administer two quick puffs of the albuterol inhaler using a spacer." This statement indicates a need for further education because it suggests administering two quick puffs, which may not be the correct dosage for the child. Option B states, "I should always use a spacer when administering the albuterol inhaler." While using a spacer is recommended for proper inhaler technique, this statement does not indicate an incorrect understanding of dosage or administration. Option C states, "I should ensure my child is in an upright position when administering the inhaler." This statement is a correct understanding of proper inhaler administration techniques, so it is not the answer that indicates a need for further education. Option D states, "I should always shake the inhaler before administering a dose." While shaking the inhaler is a common practice, it is not always necessary for all types of inhalers, so this statement does not necessarily indicate a need for further education. In an educational context, it is crucial for parents to receive proper training on how to administer medications to their children, especially for conditions like respiratory disorders where correct dosage and technique are essential for effective treatment. Providing clear and accurate information can help parents feel confident and competent in managing their child's health needs.