Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority intervention for an infant with gastroschisis is to cover the exposed abdominal contents with a sterile bowel bag. This action helps protect the intestines from injury, contamination, and dehydration before surgical repair. Choice A, placing the infant in the prone position, is not appropriate as it does not address the immediate need to protect the exposed intestines. Choice B, sterile water feedings, and Choice C, monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes, are not the priority interventions for this condition. Sterile water feedings may not provide the necessary protection for the exposed intestines, and monitoring electrolytes, while important, is secondary to the immediate need for protection and hydration of the exposed abdominal contents.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Most umbilical hernias in newborns resolve on their own by 3 to 5 years of age without the need for surgical intervention, unless complications arise. Surgery is not typically recommended for umbilical hernias in newborns due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution. Aggressive treatment is not necessary as umbilical hernias are typically benign and not associated with high mortality. Taping the abdomen is not recommended as it can cause skin irritation and does not speed up the resolution of the hernia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Leaving the gastrostomy tube open to gravity drainage prevents the accumulation of air and fluids, reducing the risk of complications such as vomiting or aspiration in the immediate postoperative period. Keeping the tube clamped or suctioning it can lead to pressure buildup, increasing the risk of complications. Securing the tube with tape is important but not the primary action related to the gastrostomy tube in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Handwashing is indeed the most effective way to prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. Proper hand hygiene helps in removing and killing germs that can cause infections. While isolating sick children and disinfecting toys are important measures to prevent the spread of diseases, they are not as effective as handwashing. Encouraging vaccination, in this case, is not relevant since there is no specific vaccine available for hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Enemas are contraindicated in cases of suspected appendicitis because they can increase the risk of perforation. The pressure from the enema can exacerbate inflammation and potentially lead to the rupture of the appendix. Palpating the abdomen gently is essential for diagnosing appendicitis, as it helps identify the characteristic signs like rebound tenderness. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infection associated with appendicitis, and antipyretics are administered to manage fever, which is a common symptom of the condition. Therefore, enemas are the intervention to avoid in suspected appendicitis cases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Patent ductus arteriosus. This condition is characterized by a continuous 'machine-like' murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Ventricular septal defect (choice B) is characterized by a harsh holosystolic murmur, atrial septal defect (choice C) typically presents with a fixed split S2 and a pulmonary flow murmur, and coarctation of the aorta (choice D) is associated with a systolic murmur in the back and bilateral lower extremities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care should focus on monitoring changes in stooling patterns, which could indicate complications such as stenosis or obstruction. It is crucial to educate the family on the importance of promptly reporting any changes in stooling patterns to the healthcare provider. Options A and B are not recommended unless specifically ordered by the physician as they can potentially cause harm or discomfort postoperatively. Option C may not be appropriate immediately after surgery and should be guided by the healthcare provider's recommendations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Antipyretics. Febrile seizures in children are usually associated with fever. The first-line treatment aims to reduce fever, which can help prevent febrile seizures. Antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly used for this purpose. Anticonvulsants, while used for treating seizures, are not typically the first-line treatment for febrile seizures as they are usually self-limited and resolve on their own. Cooling blankets can be used to lower body temperature in cases of hyperthermia but are not the primary treatment for febrile seizures. IV fluids may be administered in cases of dehydration due to fever or if the child cannot tolerate oral intake, but they are not the first-line treatment for febrile seizures.