A 9-year-old patient has been complaining of headache, coughing, and an aching chest. The care provider makes a diagnosis of a viral infection. The child’s mother tells the nurse that when she first said she had a headache, the child’s father gave her half of an adult aspirin. The mother has heard of Reye syndrome and asks the nurse if her child could get this. Which statement would be the best response by the nurse?
“This might or might not be a problem. Watch your daughter for signs of lethargy, unusual irritability, stupor, or vomiting. If you notice any of these, bring her to the emergency room immediately so she can be checked for Reye syndrome.”
“This might or might not be a problem. Watch your daughter for signs of nasal discharge, sneezing, itching of the nose, or dark circles under the eyes. If you notice any of these, bring her to the emergency room immediately so she can be checked for Reye syndrome.”
“This is a serious problem. Aspirin is likely to cause Reye syndrome, and she should be admitted to the hospital for observation as a precaution.”
“This is unlikely to be a problem. Half an aspirin is not enough to cause harm. Reye syndrome generally only develops from prolonged use of aspirin in connection with a virus.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Half an aspirin with a viral infection poses a small Reye syndrome risk, warranting monitoring for symptoms like lethargy or vomiting. This aligns with pediatric safety guidelines, making it the best response to inform the mother while ensuring vigilance for the 9-year-old’s health.
Choice B reason: Nasal discharge and sneezing are unrelated to Reye syndrome, which involves neurological symptoms like stupor. Monitoring for lethargy or vomiting is correct, making this incorrect, as it lists irrelevant symptoms for the mother’s concern about Reye syndrome in her child.
Choice C reason: Admitting for observation overstates the risk, as a single half aspirin rarely causes Reye syndrome. Monitoring for specific symptoms is sufficient, making this alarmist and incorrect compared to the nurse’s balanced response to the mother’s concern about the viral infection.
Choice D reason: Downplaying the risk as unlikely ignores the potential, though rare, link between aspirin and Reye syndrome in viral infections. Monitoring for symptoms is prudent, making this dismissive and incorrect compared to advising vigilance for the 9-year-old’s safety post-aspirin use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Children’s liver and pancreatic enzyme levels are not greater than adults’ but are sufficient for age-specific needs. Complex carbohydrate digestion is limited in children due to immature enzymes, making this inaccurate and incorrect compared to the carbohydrate metabolism difference in pediatric gastroenterology.
Choice B reason: Food passes through a child’s gastrointestinal tract faster, not slower, due to shorter intestines and higher motility. Limited complex carbohydrate digestion is the key difference, making this incorrect, as it misrepresents the speed of pediatric gastrointestinal transit compared to adults.
Choice C reason: The child’s gastrointestinal system is not fully mature at birth; it develops over years, particularly in enzyme function. Inability to digest complex carbohydrates reflects this immaturity, making this incorrect compared to the accurate statement about carbohydrate metabolism limitations in children.
Choice D reason: Children have limited ability to break down complex carbohydrates due to immature digestive enzymes, like amylase, compared to adults. This aligns with pediatric gastroenterology evidence, making it the most correct statement about the child’s gastrointestinal system development and function in digestion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Walking backwards heel-to-toe requires advanced balance typically mastered closer to age 5 or 6. A 4-year-old can hop on one foot, a gross motor skill achievable by this age, making this too complex and incorrect for the preschooler’s developmental stage during the assessment.
Choice B reason: Hopping on one foot is a gross motor skill typically mastered by age 4, reflecting balance and coordination development. This aligns with pediatric developmental milestones, making it the correct activity a 4-year-old preschooler can successfully accomplish during a well-child gross motor assessment.
Choice C reason: Riding a bicycle, especially without training wheels, is typically achieved around age 5-6, requiring advanced coordination. A 4-year-old can hop on one foot, making this too advanced and incorrect for the gross motor skills expected at this age in a well-child visit.
Choice D reason: Jumping rope demands complex coordination and strength, typically mastered after age 6. A 4-year-old can hop on one foot, a simpler skill, making this incorrect, as jump rope is beyond the gross motor capabilities of a preschooler at this developmental stage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.