Which statement indicates the mother needs more education regarding her daughter’s pharyngitis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, option D, "I will ask the nurse practitioner for some amoxicillin," is the correct answer indicating the mother needs more education regarding her daughter's pharyngitis. This response suggests a lack of understanding as antibiotics are not typically prescribed for viral pharyngitis, which is the most common cause in children. Option A, gargling with salt water, is a supportive measure to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, which aligns with non-pharmacological management of pharyngitis. Option B, offering ice chips, helps to alleviate discomfort from throat pain. Option C, giving Tylenol for pain relief, is appropriate symptomatic management. Educationally, it's crucial to emphasize the distinction between viral and bacterial pharyngitis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which contributes to antibiotic resistance. Educating parents on symptomatic relief measures and when to seek medical advice can empower them to better care for their child's health and prevent misuse of antibiotics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best response to a parent concerned about the life expectancy of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) is option D: "I’ll answer briefly now and am here to listen when you’re ready to talk more." This response is the most empathetic and supportive as it acknowledges the parent's concerns, offers information while respecting the parent's emotional readiness to engage in a deeper conversation. Option A is incorrect because while it is true that the life expectancy for CF patients has improved, it may not address the emotional needs of the parent at that moment. Option B is incorrect as it dismisses the parent's concerns by comparing the child to another family member. Option C is incorrect as it shifts the responsibility to the physician without providing immediate support or information to the parent. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to not only provide accurate medical information but also to demonstrate empathy and active listening skills when addressing the emotional needs of patients and families. Supporting families through difficult conversations fosters trust and enhances the overall quality of care provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option B, the 6-year-old with a high fever, no spontaneous cough, and a 'frog-like' croaking sound. This child is most likely experiencing epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention to maintain the airway and ensure adequate oxygenation. Epiglottitis can lead to rapid airway obstruction and respiratory failure, making it a critical emergency. Option A, the 3-year-old with a barky cough and mild retractions, likely has croup, which is generally a milder respiratory condition compared to epiglottitis and does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. Option C, the 7-year-old with moderate respiratory distress and a barky cough, likely has bronchiolitis or asthma exacerbation, which can be serious but usually do not require immediate emergency intervention like epiglottitis. Option D, the 13-year-old with stridor and purulent secretions, may have a severe respiratory infection or abscess, which requires medical attention, but the absence of the characteristic 'frog-like' croaking sound associated with epiglottitis makes this option less urgent compared to option B. In an educational context, understanding the distinguishing features of various pediatric respiratory conditions is crucial for nurses to provide timely and appropriate care. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions like epiglottitis is essential for pediatric nurses to prioritize interventions and ensure positive patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In an infant with respiratory distress, the most concerning physical finding is grunting (Option D). Grunting is a sign of increased work of breathing and is often associated with significant respiratory compromise. When an infant grunts, it indicates that they are trying to maintain lung expansion and prevent alveolar collapse during exhalation, suggesting a more severe respiratory distress. Tachypnea (Option A) is a common finding in respiratory distress but alone may not be as concerning as grunting. It indicates an increased respiratory rate but may not always correlate with the severity of the condition. Mild retractions (Option B) and wheezing (Option C) can also be present in respiratory distress but are generally considered less severe compared to grunting. In the educational context, it is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients to recognize and prioritize concerning signs of respiratory distress. Understanding the significance of each physical finding helps in prompt identification of deteriorating conditions and timely intervention. Grunting should raise immediate concern and trigger appropriate actions to manage the infant's respiratory distress effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, D, states that a child of a mother with CF and a father who is a carrier has a 50% chance of acquiring CF. This is accurate because cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. To have CF, a child must inherit two copies of the defective gene, one from each parent. In this scenario, the mother with CF passes on one copy of the defective gene, and the father, being a carrier, passes on a normal gene and a defective gene. Therefore, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting the defective gene from the father and, combined with the one from the mother, will have CF. Option A is incorrect because CF is not an autosomal-dominant trait; it is autosomal recessive. Option B is also incorrect for the same reason. Option C is incorrect because it oversimplifies the inheritance pattern by stating a 50% chance when it does not consider the carrier status of the parents. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to accurately explain the inheritance pattern of genetic disorders like CF to parents. Understanding the genetic basis of the disease can help parents make informed decisions about family planning and genetic testing. By providing accurate information, nurses can support families in managing the care of children with CF and empower them to navigate the complexities of genetic conditions.