A child has come into the emergency department after a confirmed bite from a brown recluse. Which action can the nurse take to alleviate pain?

The correct answer is choice A. Slowed growth.

Choice A rationale:

Slowed growth is a potential risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are a cornerstone of asthma management due to their anti-inflammatory effects on the airways, but they can have systemic effects when absorbed in larger amounts. Prolonged use of these steroids can potentially lead to growth suppression in children by affecting the normal growth and development of bones and other tissues.

Choice B rationale:

Osteoporosis is not the primary concern in children taking inhaled steroids. While long-term use of high-dose systemic steroids can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis in adults, the risk of osteoporosis is much lower in children receiving inhaled steroids for asthma management. Inhaled steroids have a lower systemic absorption, reducing the risk of significant bone density reduction in children.

Choice C rationale:

Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, often due to excessive use of systemic steroids. Inhaled steroids, especially at recommended doses, have a lower likelihood of causing Cushing's syndrome compared to systemic steroids. The systemic absorption of inhaled steroids is limited, minimizing the risk of this syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Cough is not the primary increased risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are actually used to help control and prevent asthma symptoms, including cough. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps alleviate symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

The correct answer is choice B. First stage.

Choice A rationale:

There is no fourth stage of Lyme disease. Lyme disease typically progresses through three stages: early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated. The symptoms mentioned in the question are more indicative of earlier stages of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

The child is likely exhibiting symptoms of the first stage of Lyme disease, known as early localized Lyme disease. This stage is characterized by the appearance of small annular (circular) lesions known as erythema migrans. These lesions are often red and have a clear center, resembling a "bull's-eye" pattern. This stage occurs within days to weeks after a tick bite and is usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

There is no third stage of Lyme disease. The third stage is considered the late disseminated stage, which occurs months to years after the initial infection. It typically involves more severe symptoms, such as arthritis, neurological issues, and cardiac abnormalities.

Choice D rationale:

There is no second stage of Lyme disease. The second stage is the early disseminated stage, which occurs weeks to a few months after the tick bite. It involves the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as multiple erythema migrans lesions, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.