When can a child with strep throat return to school?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Twenty-four hours after the first dose of antibiotics. In the case of strep throat, caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, it is important for the child to stay home and rest until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to other children at school. Antibiotics help to treat the bacterial infection and reduce the contagiousness of the child. Option A) Forty-eight hours after the first documented normal temperature may not be sufficient as the child could still be contagious even if their temperature has normalized. Option C) Forty-eight hours after the first dose of antibiotics is too long to keep the child away from school if they are no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. Option D) Twenty-four hours after the first documented normal temperature does not guarantee that the strep throat infection has been adequately treated with antibiotics, which are the primary treatment for this condition. Educationally, understanding the appropriate timing for a child to return to school after being diagnosed with strep throat is important for nurses working in school settings to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the well-being of all students. It also highlights the significance of completing the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by healthcare providers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory distress due to pneumonia, the 15-year-old with vomiting for 3 days and a fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F) would benefit most from hospitalization. This choice is correct because persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can worsen respiratory distress. Additionally, the combination of vomiting and fever indicates a more severe illness that may require closer monitoring and intravenous fluid administration in a hospital setting. Option A is incorrect because while cough, coarse breath sounds, and poor sleep are concerning symptoms, they do not indicate the same level of acuity as dehydration from persistent vomiting. Option B, a 14-year-old with fever, rapid breathing, and decreased appetite, is also concerning but does not present with the added complication of persistent vomiting. Option D, a 16-year-old with cough, chills, fever, and wheezing, may have a viral respiratory infection rather than pneumonia, which typically presents with crackles rather than wheezing. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the nuances of pediatric respiratory distress presentations to make appropriate clinical decisions regarding hospitalization. Recognizing the need for hospitalization based on specific symptoms can help prevent complications and improve outcomes in pediatric patients with pneumonia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory distress nursing interventions, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the long-term effects following an infant's first episode of otitis media, which is an ear infection. The correct answer is C) The child could suffer recurrent ear infections. This is because otitis media can lead to a disruption in the normal functioning of the Eustachian tube, making the child more susceptible to future ear infections. Option A) The child could suffer hearing loss is not the most immediate concern following the first episode of otitis media. While hearing loss can occur in severe or chronic cases, it is not typically the first long-term effect parents should be aware of. Option B) The child could experience some speech delays is not directly linked to the first episode of otitis media. Speech delays may occur if there are repeated or chronic ear infections that affect the child's ability to hear properly, but it is not the primary concern immediately following the first episode. Option D) The child could require ear tubes is a potential intervention for recurrent ear infections but is not a long-term effect that parents should be aware of after the first episode of otitis media. Ear tubes are usually considered if the child experiences multiple ear infections despite other interventions. Educationally, it's important for nurses to educate parents on the potential consequences of otitis media, including the possibility of recurrent ear infections. By understanding these long-term effects, parents can be proactive in seeking appropriate medical care and interventions to prevent future complications for their child's health and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric respiratory distress, tachypnea is an early sign in a 2-month-old. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, which can indicate the body's attempt to compensate for inadequate oxygenation. In infants, tachypnea is often a prominent sign of respiratory distress due to their smaller airways and increased metabolic demands. Option A, breathing shallowly, is a common misconception. While shallow breathing can be a sign of distress, rapid breathing (tachypnea) is more indicative of early respiratory distress in infants. Option C, tachycardia, is a common response to respiratory distress as the body tries to increase oxygen delivery. However, tachycardia typically occurs after tachypnea in the progression of respiratory distress. Option D, bradycardia, is not typically an early sign of respiratory distress in infants. Bradycardia may occur in severe cases of respiratory distress when oxygen levels are critically low. Educationally, understanding these early signs of pediatric respiratory distress is crucial for nurses caring for infants. Recognizing these signs promptly can lead to early intervention, preventing further deterioration and optimizing patient outcomes. Nurses need to be vigilant in assessing respiratory status in infants to provide timely and appropriate interventions.