A 9-year-old often comes to the school nurse complaining of stomach pains. The teacher says that the child has lately been somewhat aggressive and stubborn in the classroom. What should the school nurse recognize as the possible trigger for these behaviors?
Signs of stress.
Developmental delay.
A physical problem causing emotional stress.
Lack of adjustment to the school environment.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: Signs of stress.
Choice A rationale:
Children often express stress through physical complaints such as stomach pains, headaches, and fatigue. The 9-year-old's complaints of stomach pains, along with the description of aggressive and stubborn behavior, are indicative of stress. Stressors can include academic pressures, family issues, social challenges, or other emotional factors.
Choice B rationale:
Developmental delay refers to a situation where a child's developmental milestones are significantly delayed compared to their peers. This doesn't align with the presented symptoms of stomach pains, aggression, and stubbornness. These symptoms are more indicative of emotional or psychological distress.
Choice C rationale:
While a physical problem could potentially cause emotional stress, the scenario doesn't provide enough information to directly conclude that a physical problem is the primary trigger. Stomach pains could indeed result from emotional stress, and it's important to consider the child's overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Lack of adjustment to the school environment can lead to behavioral and emotional challenges, but it's not the most direct explanation for the symptoms described in the scenario. The combination of stomach pains and behavioral changes suggests a more immediate emotional trigger, which is often stress-related.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Anaphylactic shock.
Choice A rationale:
Anaphylactic shock is the correct answer. Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes massive vasodilation, capillary leakage, and bronchoconstriction. It can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen such as certain foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators leads to systemic vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, resulting in a sudden drop in blood pressure and compromised organ perfusion.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiogenic shock is characterized by inadequate cardiac output due to severe heart dysfunction. It is typically caused by conditions like myocardial infarction, heart failure, or other cardiac issues. While allergic reactions can potentially affect the cardiovascular system, the symptoms described in the question are more indicative of anaphylactic shock.
Choice C rationale:
Neurogenic shock results from disruption of sympathetic nervous system control over blood vessel tone, often due to spinal cord injury or severe emotional distress. This leads to widespread vasodilation and a sudden drop in blood pressure. While it can cause hemodynamic instability, it doesn't specifically involve the hypersensitivity reaction and capillary leaks associated with anaphylactic shock.
Choice D rationale:
Hypovolemic shock is caused by a significant loss of blood volume or bodily fluids, leading to decreased intravascular volume and subsequent inadequate tissue perfusion. This shock type is not directly related to a hypersensitivity reaction or capillary leakage caused by allergic responses. 2 / 2
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A goiter refers to the enlargement or hypertrophy of the thyroid gland. This can occur due to various reasons, such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Graves' disease (which is associated with hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and growth, and when it becomes enlarged, it can lead to visible swelling in the neck.
Choice B rationale:
The posterior pituitary gland is responsible for the release of hormones like vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin. A goiter is not associated with the posterior pituitary gland. Issues with the posterior pituitary can lead to problems with water balance and uterine contractions, but not thyroid enlargement.
Choice C rationale:
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While adrenal disorders can lead to various hormonal imbalances, a goiter is not related to adrenal gland function. Adrenal issues might cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and blood pressure irregularities.
Choice D rationale:
The anterior pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland. However, a goiter is not directly associated with the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary's malfunction can result in disorders like growth hormone deficiency or Cushing's disease, but not thyroid enlargement.
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