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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is not necessary to give the medication after meals. The medication can be taken with or without food. However, some people find that taking it with food can help prevent stomach upset.
Choice B rationale
Regular blood glucose level checks are not typically required when a child is taking methylphenidate. This medication does not have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale
It is not generally recommended to skip doses of methylphenidate on weekends. Consistent medication administration is important for managing ADHD symptoms. However, the prescribing doctor may sometimes recommend a “drug holiday” or break from the medication. This should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Methylphenidate is a stimulant, and taking it later in the day can cause insomnia or trouble sleeping. Therefore, it is often recommended that the last dose of the medication be given before 6 o’clock in the evening to minimize sleep disturbances.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While pain management is important following a cleft palate repair, it does not typically require immediate attention. Pain can be managed with appropriate analgesics and does not typically present an immediate risk to the patient’s health.
Choice B rationale
A patient refusing to ambulate following an appendectomy does not typically require immediate attention. Encouraging mobility is important for recovery, but refusal to ambulate does not present an immediate risk to the patient’s health.
Choice C rationale
Frequent swallowing following a tonsillectomy could indicate post-operative bleeding, which requires immediate attention. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale
While pain at the site of an IV infusion should be addressed, it does not typically require immediate attention unless there are signs of infection or infiltration. It does not present an immediate risk to the patient’s health.
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