While caring for a patient who is hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis and dehydration, the pediatric nurse notes that the patient's parent keeps packets of herbs by the patient's bedside. Suspecting that the parent may be administering the herbs to the patient, the nurse's first action is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the pediatric nurse to take is option A) ask the parent in a nonjudgmental manner about the herbs. This is the most appropriate initial step because it allows the nurse to gather information directly from the parent about the herbs, their purpose, and their administration to the child. By approaching the parent in a nonjudgmental manner, the nurse can establish open communication, gather pertinent information, and address any concerns or misconceptions the parent may have regarding the use of herbs. Option B) coordinating a nursing care conference to discuss the patient's plan of care is not the most immediate or relevant action in this situation. While discussing the patient's plan of care is important, addressing the use of herbs should take precedence as it directly impacts the child's treatment and well-being. Option C) discussing the risks of using alternative therapies with the parent may be appropriate but should follow gathering more information about the specific herbs being used. Jumping straight to discussing risks without understanding the parent's perspective may lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. Option D) referring the family to a social worker for possible nonadherence with the healthcare regimen is premature without first clarifying the situation with the parent. This option assumes nonadherence without gathering facts and could potentially strain the nurse-parent relationship. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration with families in pediatric care. Nurses must approach situations with cultural humility, respect for diverse beliefs and practices, and a commitment to understanding families' perspectives to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Asking open-ended, nonjudgmental questions promotes trust and allows nurses to address parental concerns, ensure safe care practices, and enhance overall patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question from the Free Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions exam, the correct answer is D) hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is not typically associated with peculiar facial anatomy, which is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. A) Hypotonia can contribute to airway obstruction, leading to obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric patients. B) Developmental delay can affect the structural development of the face and airway, increasing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. C) Central adiposity, or excess fat around the neck and throat area, can put pressure on the airway, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. Educationally, understanding risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses working in critical care settings. Recognizing these risk factors can aid in early identification and intervention, improving patient outcomes. By knowing which conditions are associated with obstructive sleep apnea, nurses can provide targeted care and support to these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the care of low birth weight or premature infants, screening for anemia is crucial due to their increased risk of this condition. The correct answer, C) 6 months, is the appropriate time for re-screening these infants for anemia. At this age, their iron stores from birth begin to deplete, putting them at risk for developing anemia. Option A) 2 months is too early for a re-screening as infants' iron stores are still sufficient at this age. Option B) 4 months is also premature for re-screening as iron supplementation typically starts around this time but re-screening for anemia is usually recommended later. Option D) 8 months is too late for re-screening as anemia in these vulnerable infants should be detected and managed earlier to prevent complications. Educationally, understanding the timing of anemia screening in low birth weight or premature infants is vital for pediatric nurses and other healthcare providers working with this population. It ensures early detection and intervention, promoting optimal health outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the fetal period of development, various key milestones occur as the baby grows and matures in the womb. In this question, the correct answer is D) 26 weeks - face clearly recognizable. This is incorrect because by 26 weeks, the face is not yet fully developed to be clearly recognizable. While facial features are forming during this time, they are not yet distinct enough to be easily identifiable. Option A) 10 weeks - midgut returns to abdomen is correct as by 10 weeks, the midgut, which initially herniates into the umbilical cord, should have returned to the abdominal cavity. Option B) 12 weeks - external genitalia formed is correct as by 12 weeks, the external genitalia should have developed and can be visualized. Option C) 24 weeks - surfactant production begun is correct as surfactant production in the lungs typically begins around 24 weeks, playing a crucial role in lung maturation and function. Understanding the timeline of fetal development is essential for healthcare professionals working with pediatric patients. This knowledge helps in assessing developmental milestones, identifying potential issues, and providing appropriate care and support for both the child and their family.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In children, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is adenotonsillar hypertrophy (Option C). Adenotonsillar hypertrophy refers to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses and disrupted sleep patterns. This condition is prevalent in children due to the anatomical size of their airways relative to the size of their tonsils and adenoids. Option A, obesity, can also contribute to sleep apnea in children, but it is not the most common cause. Obesity can lead to increased soft tissue around the airway, contributing to obstruction during sleep. Option B, allergies, can cause nasal congestion and inflammation, but it is not the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Option D, pharyngeal reactive edema due to gastroesophageal reflux, is less common than adenotonsillar hypertrophy in causing obstructive sleep apnea in children. While gastroesophageal reflux can cause inflammation in the throat, leading to some airway obstruction, it is not as prevalent as adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Educationally, understanding the common causes of obstructive sleep apnea in children is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients. Recognizing adenotonsillar hypertrophy as the primary cause can guide clinicians in appropriate assessment, management, and referral for children presenting with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. This knowledge enhances the quality of care provided to children with obstructive sleep apnea, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.