a 6 year old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatric HESI 2024

1. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, making breathing easier and relieving acute symptoms of asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations; they are more commonly used for allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are beneficial in reducing inflammation in asthma but are usually administered after bronchodilators to provide long-term control. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in severe cases of asthma exacerbation, but bronchodilators take precedence in improving airway patency and respiratory distress.

2. When a family decides to withhold 'extraordinary care' for a newborn with severe abnormalities, what does this decision indicate?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a family decides to withhold 'extraordinary care' for a newborn with severe abnormalities, it means that aggressive interventions will not be pursued, allowing the newborn to die naturally. This decision is legal and ethical, respecting the principle of non-maleficence by avoiding unnecessary suffering. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights, but the decision to withhold extraordinary care is based on ethical considerations. Choice B is incorrect as withholding care is not the same as euthanasia, which involves actively ending life. Choice C is incorrect as long as the decision is made within legal and ethical boundaries, it is not considered illegal professional practice.

3. After eating, a child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be placed in what position as recommended by the nurse?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the child in a semi-Fowler's position after eating is beneficial for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. This position helps prevent gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus. The supine position (choice A) may worsen reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to assist in reflux, leading to discomfort and regurgitation. Prone position (choice B) is not recommended after eating as it may cause discomfort and increase the risk of aspiration due to pressure on the stomach. Trendelenburg position (choice D), with the head lower than the rest of the body, is not indicated for managing GERD after eating and may not provide the desired benefits in this context.

4. During a nap, a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed during a nap, the nurse should respond by changing the child’s clothes without discussing the incident. This approach helps to maintain the child's dignity, avoid embarrassment, and reduce anxiety related to bedwetting. Asking the child to help with remaking the bed (Choice A) may not be appropriate as it could cause unnecessary distress. Putting clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet (Choice B) addresses the aftermath but does not directly address the child's needs. Explaining that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom (Choice D) may not be effective in this immediate situation of bedwetting during a nap.

5. A child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. What is the priority need that must be included in the nursing plan of care for this child?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rest. When a child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, the priority need in the nursing plan of care is to ensure adequate rest. Rest is crucial as it allows the child's body to fight the infection and recover. Choice B, Exercise, would not be appropriate as the child needs rest to conserve energy and promote healing. Choice C, Nutrition, is important for overall health but may not be the immediate priority when the child is acutely ill with pneumonia. Choice D, Elimination, is important but is not the priority need in this scenario compared to ensuring rest to aid recovery from pneumonia.

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