A nurse is caring for a child who has pertussis. The child's parent asks the nurse what the common name for this disease is. The nurse should
respond with which of the following common names?

Choice A reason: This is not a statement that indicates a need for further teaching. The client is doing wheelchair exercises while watching TV, which is a good way to maintain physical activity and prevent muscle atrophy and contractures. The nurse should praise the client for this behavior and encourage them to continue.

Choice B reason: This is not a statement that indicates a need for further teaching. The client is carrying a water bottle with them and drinking a lot of water, which is a good way to prevent dehydration and urinary tract infections. The nurse should praise the client for this behavior and remind them to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Choice C reason: This is not a statement that indicates a need for further teaching. The client is using a suppository every night to have a bowel movement, which is a common method of managing bowel dysfunction in clients with spina bifida. The nurse should ask the client about their bowel routine and provide any additional education or support as needed.

Choice D reason: This is a statement that indicates a need for further teaching. The client is only catheterizing themselves twice every day, which is not enough to prevent urinary retention and infection. The nurse should explain to the client that they need to catheterize themselves at least every 4 to 6 hours, or as prescribed by the provider. The nurse should also demonstrate the proper technique and hygiene for catheterization and assess the client's ability to perform it.

Choice A reason: Using a 20 gauge needle is not the best action, as it is too large for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. A 20 gauge needle has a diameter of 0.9 mm, which may cause more pain and tissue damage. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 23 or 25 gauge, is recommended for intramuscular injections in children.

Choice B reason: Inserting the needle just below the acromion process is not the best action, as it may not reach the deltoid muscle. The acromion process is the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder. The deltoid muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, about two finger widths below the acromion process. The nurse should palpate the acromion process and measure the distance to the injection site.

Choice C reason: Inserting the needle at a 15 degree angle is not the best action, as it may not penetrate the muscle tissue. A 15 degree angle is used for intradermal injections, which are given into the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Intramuscular injections are given into the muscle tissue, which requires a 90 degree angle. The nurse should hold the syringe perpendicular to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly.

Choice D reason: Using a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is the best action, as it is the appropriate length for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. The length of the needle should be based on the child's age, weight, and muscle mass. A 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is suitable for children who weigh less than 12 kg (26 lb). A longer needle, such as a 2.5 mm (1 in) needle, may be used for children who weigh more than 12 kg (26 lb).