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. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of infection. When a child is undergoing chemotherapy, their immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial to promptly identify and treat any potential infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although monitoring for bleeding, dehydration, and pain are important aspects of care, the priority for a child receiving chemotherapy is to prevent and detect infections due to their increased vulnerability.

3. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a child with nephrotic syndrome, it is crucial to avoid foods high in salt to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice A) may put additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. While protein restriction is sometimes needed, it is not the primary dietary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Similarly, a low-protein diet (Choice D) is not typically recommended as it may lead to malnutrition in children. Although a low-sodium diet (Choice C) may sound similar to avoiding foods high in salt, the emphasis should be on reducing salt intake specifically, rather than a generalized low-sodium approach.

4. On the third day of hospitalization, the nurse observes that a 2-year-old toddler who had been screaming and crying inconsolably begins to regress and is now lying quietly in the crib with a blanket. What stage of separation anxiety has developed?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Despair. In separation anxiety, the stage of despair is characterized by regression and withdrawal after an initial period of protest. The child may become quiet and appear to accept the separation, but this is actually a sign of deeper distress. Choice A, Denial, is incorrect as it refers to refusing to believe or accept the reality of the separation. Choice C, Mistrust, is incorrect as it pertains to a lack of trust in others, not a stage of separation anxiety. Choice D, Rejection, is incorrect as it involves pushing others away and not related to the described behavior of the toddler in the scenario.

5. What finding would lead the nurse to suspect that a child has Turner syndrome?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A webbed neck is a key feature seen in Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs in females due to a complete or partial absence of one of the X chromosomes. This physical trait is caused by excess skin on the neck, giving it a webbed appearance. Microcephaly (Choice B) is a condition characterized by a smaller than average head size and is not typically associated with Turner syndrome. Gynecomastia (Choice C) refers to breast enlargement in males and is not a common finding in Turner syndrome, which affects females. Cognitive delay (Choice D) is not a specific characteristic of Turner syndrome, as the syndrome primarily affects physical development and may not necessarily impact cognitive abilities.

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