You are called to a local park for a 7-year-old boy with respiratory distress. During your assessment, you find that the patient is wheezing and has widespread hives and facial edema. What should you suspect has occurred?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Allergic reaction. This choice is correct because the patient is presenting with symptoms of respiratory distress (wheezing) along with widespread hives and facial edema, which are classic signs of an allergic reaction. Option A) Poison oak exposure is unlikely as the symptoms described are more indicative of an allergic reaction rather than a specific contact with poison oak. Option C) Heat illness does not align with the symptoms presented by the patient, as there is no mention of signs such as excessive sweating, dizziness, or high body temperature. Option D) Acute asthma attack is a plausible choice due to the respiratory distress symptoms, but the presence of widespread hives and facial edema strongly suggests an allergic reaction over an asthma attack. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to be able to recognize and differentiate between various conditions that can cause respiratory distress in children. Understanding the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other common pediatric emergencies is crucial for providing timely and appropriate care to pediatric patients in various settings, including outdoor environments like parks.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, maintaining a patent airway is crucial for ensuring adequate oxygenation. The correct answer, option D, which states to tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck, is the most appropriate method for opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury. This technique is recommended for infants because their airways are more easily obstructed due to their anatomical differences compared to older children or adults. Hyperextending the neck (option B) can actually worsen the airway obstruction in infants. Performing the technique as you would for an older child or adult (option A) may not be effective and could potentially harm the infant. Gently lifting the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck (option C) is not ideal as it may not fully open the airway in an infant. It's essential for pediatric nurses to be well-versed in age-appropriate airway management techniques to provide safe and effective care to infants and children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate action is to keep the newborn warm, ensure the mother receives oxygen if needed, and prepare for transport. The newborn is showing signs of central cyanosis (hands and feet being cyanotic), which can be due to various reasons, including inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, ensuring warmth and possible oxygen to the mother are important. Additionally, monitoring both the mother and baby during transport is crucial for their well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A sudden onset of respiratory distress in a child without fever is most likely due to a foreign body airway obstruction. This obstruction can rapidly lead to difficulty breathing, stridor, and other signs of respiratory distress without necessarily causing a fever. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent further complications and ensure the child's airway remains clear.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) The tape measure can be used in children who weigh up to 75 pounds. This answer is correct because the length-based resuscitation tape measure is designed to provide an estimate of a child's weight based on their length or height. This tool is particularly useful in emergency situations when an accurate weight measurement is not feasible but essential for medication dosing and equipment selection. Option A is incorrect because the resuscitation tape measure estimates weight based on length, not height. Option B is incorrect because the reliability of the tape measure is not limited to children under 5 years of age; it can be used for a broader age range. Option C is incorrect as the red end of the tape measure is typically placed at the child's feet, not the head. For pediatric nurses, understanding and utilizing tools like the length-based resuscitation tape measure are crucial in providing effective and timely care to pediatric patients. It helps in dosing medications, selecting appropriate equipment sizes, and ensuring accurate interventions during resuscitation efforts. Nurses must be knowledgeable about these tools to enhance patient safety and outcomes in pediatric emergencies.