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. Which nursing intervention provides the most support to the parents of an infant with an obvious physical anomaly?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging parents to express their concerns is the most supportive intervention because it allows them to process their emotions and provides them with an opportunity to share their fears, anxieties, and questions. This open communication helps the nurse to offer appropriate support, education, and reassurance. Discouraging parents from talking about their baby (Choice B) can hinder their emotional expression and prevent them from seeking necessary information and support. Assuring parents not to worry (Choice C) may invalidate their feelings and minimize the significance of their concerns. Showing postoperative photographs (Choice D) may not be appropriate at this stage as parents need emotional support and education about the current situation before focusing on postoperative outcomes.

3. Why is the infant scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine instead of the oral vaccine, as asked by the parents?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine over the oral vaccine due to its superior safety profile. Intramuscular administration ensures better immunogenicity and protection against poliovirus. Choice B is incorrect as the intramuscular vaccine is preferred for safety reasons. Choice C is incorrect because the recommendation is based on safety, not cost. Choice D is incorrect as the CDC recommendation is not solely based on immunocompromised status but rather on the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

4. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a structured routine. Children with autism spectrum disorder benefit greatly from structured routines as they provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior. Encouraging social interaction (Choice B) is important but may need to be approached in a structured manner to prevent overwhelming the child. Positive reinforcement (Choice C) is also beneficial for behavior management but may not address the overall need for routine and predictability that is crucial for children with autism. Using a communication board (Choice D) may be helpful for facilitating communication, but establishing and maintaining a structured routine is fundamental for supporting the child's development and well-being in managing their autism spectrum disorder.

5. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child presenting with sudden respiratory distress and no history of recent illnesses or fever, foreign body airway obstruction should be suspected. Foreign body airway obstruction commonly leads to acute respiratory distress without preceding symptoms. Croup (Choice A) typically presents with a barking cough and stridor. Epiglottitis (Choice B) often presents with high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Lower respiratory infection (Choice C) may manifest with symptoms such as cough, fever, and respiratory distress, but the sudden onset without fever or recent illness suggests a more acute event like foreign body airway obstruction.

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