A nurse at a pediatric hotline receives a call from a mother who plans to administer aspirin to a toddler for a fever and wants to know the dosage.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is an appropriate response?
“Follow the directions on the aspirin bottle for her age and weight.”.
“She should be given acetaminophen, not aspirin.”.
“Just be sure you administer the medication with food.”.
“Give her no more than three baby aspirin every 4 hours.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
It’s not advisable to follow the directions on the aspirin bottle for her age and weight. Aspirin is not recommended for use in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct response. Acetaminophen is a safer alternative to aspirin for managing fever in children.
Choice C rationale
While it’s generally a good idea to administer medication with food to prevent stomach upset, this advice does not address the specific risks associated with giving aspirin to a toddler.
Choice D rationale
Giving a toddler three baby aspirin every 4 hours is not recommended due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While maintaining a saline-lock can be important for administering medications or fluids, it is not the priority action. The nurse’s priority should be to assess the child’s condition and intervene to prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
A no-salt-added diet may be recommended for some children with acute glomerulonephritis to help manage fluid balance and blood pressure. However, this is not the priority action. The nurse’s priority should be to assess the child’s condition and intervene to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Checking the child’s weight daily is a priority action because weight changes can indicate fluid retention or loss, which can affect kidney function. Regular weight checks can help guide treatment decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice D rationale
Educating the parents about potential complications is important, but it is not the priority action. The nurse’s priority should be to assess the child’s condition and intervene to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activated charcoal is often used in cases of drug overdose or poisoning, including aspirin ingestion. It works by binding to the drug or toxin in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed into the body. This makes activated charcoal an effective treatment for aspirin overdose in a toddler.
Choice B rationale
A chelating agent is a substance that can bind to heavy metals in the body, helping to remove them. While useful in cases of heavy metal poisoning, it would not be the first choice for an aspirin overdose.
Choice C rationale
Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, not aspirin. It works by replenishing glutathione, a substance that helps to detoxify the liver.
Choice D rationale
Digoxin immune FAB is used to treat digoxin toxicity. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, and it is not related to aspirin.
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.