A client who is Rh-negative should receive Rho(D) immune globulin at which of the following times?

Choice A rationale

Atraumatic care focuses on minimizing physical and psychological distress for both the client and their caregivers. By employing strategies such as therapeutic play, age-appropriate explanations, and parental involvement, it reduces fear, anxiety, and stress responses, which can negatively impact physiological outcomes and coping mechanisms. This approach promotes a sense of security and control.

Choice B rationale

Atraumatic care aims to *enhance* client and caregiver control, not remove it. Empowering clients and families by providing information, involving them in decision-making, and respecting their preferences is a core principle. This approach fosters a sense of partnership and autonomy, which inherently reduces feelings of helplessness and stress, improving overall well-being.

Choice C rationale

By minimizing emotional and physical distress, atraumatic care helps to reduce the physiological stress response, including the release of cortisol and catecholamines. This reduction in stress mediators can improve immune function and reduce inflammation, thereby promoting a more conducive environment for healing and recovery, leading to potentially faster resolution of illness or injury.

Choice D rationale

Atraumatic care often requires *more* time initially from nurses to establish rapport, provide thorough explanations, engage in therapeutic play, and involve families in care. While it can lead to improved long-term outcomes and potentially fewer complications, its immediate implementation involves an investment of time to ensure comfort and understanding, not a reduction.

Condition: Spasmodic croup
2 actions: Administer a single dose of oral dexamethasone; Position the child upright and provide humidified air
2 parameters: Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation; Stridor and work of breathing

Rationale for correct condition
Spasmodic croup presents in toddlers with sudden onset of nighttime barking cough without fever. It is often associated with atopy, such as eczema. The child is playful and afebrile with no daytime distress. Lungs are clear with normal oxygen saturation (98%) and respiratory rate (28/min; normal 20–40/min for toddlers). No infectious signs are present, supporting a diagnosis of spasmodic croup.

Rationale for correct actions
Oral dexamethasone reduces airway inflammation in croup and decreases symptom duration through corticosteroid-mediated cytokine inhibition. A single dose is effective in mild-to-moderate cases, reducing subglottic edema.
Positioning the child upright and using humidified air improves airflow by decreasing upper airway narrowing and soothing inflamed mucosa. It is a first-line supportive measure to alleviate nocturnal symptoms.

Rationale for correct parameters
Monitoring respiratory rate and oxygen saturation assesses oxygenation and ventilation status. Tachypnea or desaturation may signal worsening airway obstruction.
Stridor and work of breathing are key signs of upper airway compromise. Increased inspiratory effort or stridor at rest requires escalation of care.

Rationale for incorrect conditions
Respiratory syncytial virus causes wheezing, fever, and lower respiratory symptoms, which are absent here.
Epiglottitis presents with high fever, drooling, and toxic appearance, not seen in this playful child.
Acute laryngitis lacks the barking cough and is uncommon in toddlers.

Rationale for incorrect actions
Preparing for intubation is reserved for airway obstruction, which is not present.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are ineffective in non-bacterial etiologies like croup.
Ribavirin targets RSV, which this child does not have.

Rationale for incorrect parameters
Swallowing ability and drooling assess epiglottitis, not croup.
Fever and WBC count are normal and nonspecific.
Wheezing and lung sounds assess lower airway disease, not upper airway croup.

Take-home points:

• Spasmodic croup causes nighttime barking cough without fever in toddlers.
• Differentiate from RSV (wheezing), epiglottitis (drooling), and laryngitis (hoarseness).
• Steroids and humidified air reduce symptoms in mild croup.
• Key assessments include stridor and respiratory status, not fever or wheezing.